Russia rolls out digital ruble payments with Pulkovo Airport debut

Digital ruble payment has officially entered the spotlight in Russia as St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport became the first in the nation to process transactions with the state-backed currency.

The rollout, part of Russia’s pilot program for its central bank digital currency (CBDC), marks a pivotal step in integrating digital ruble payment systems into everyday life, beginning with parking services at the country’s second-busiest air hub.

Pulkovo airport pioneer digital ruble payments

Pulkovo’s adoption of digital ruble payments is more than symbolic; it sets the tone for the broader financial future of Russia.

According to Northern Capital Gateway, the company managing the airport, the technology will soon expand to cover additional services, including business lounges and fast-track boarding.

Olga Korochkin, CFO of Northern Capital Gateway, emphasized the significance:

“We are confident that over time the digital ruble will become a common payment method, but today it was the St. Petersburg airport that was the first to implement this technology for passengers,” she told RIA Novosti.

This bold step positions Pulkovo as a testing ground for practical adoption of CBDC in everyday services, bridging the gap between trials and full-scale deployment.

The digital ruble payments initiative is part of Russia’s larger strategy to modernize its financial infrastructure. The Bank of Russia began developing the CBDC in 2021, with supporting legislation passed in 2023.

Pilot testing started in August that same year with banks, companies, and private individuals participating.

President Vladimir Putin has personally urged the acceleration of digital ruble adoption. Speaking at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in June, he stated:

“Testing has been ongoing for nearly two years. We must speed up all procedures and determine the exact launch dates for the digital ruble.”

Initially slated for July 2025, the timeline for public adoption was pushed back. The Central Bank of Russia has now scheduled a gradual rollout beginning September 1, 2026, with approval from parliament.

Digital ruble payments already in action

Despite the official rollout being years away, digital ruble payments are already gaining momentum. By mid-2025, transaction volumes had surpassed 100,000, according to data from Cryptopolitan.

Notably, VTB Bank and Russian real estate giant PIK conducted the first-ever property transaction using digital rubles in August 2025, underscoring the currency’s potential to move beyond small-scale payments and into high-value deals.

VTB, Russia’s second-largest bank, has played a pivotal role in making digital ruble payments accessible.

As a co-owner of the Pulkovo Airport consortium, its mobile app was used for the very first CBDC payment in an airport setting.

Andrey Kostin, CEO of VTB Bank, has previously highlighted the strategic role of digital rubles in reducing dependence on foreign payment systems:

“The digital ruble is not just a new instrument; it is a path to greater financial sovereignty for Russia.”

Why airports are perfect testing grounds

Airports like Pulkovo provide an ideal testing ground for digital ruble payments due to their diverse range of services, high transaction volumes, and global visibility.

From parking to fast-track boarding, airports demonstrate real-world, high-frequency use cases for CBDCs.

The move also aligns with Russia’s broader ambition to ensure its CBDC is fully integrated into public infrastructure well before the global CBDC race intensifies.

As Pulkovo expands its CBDC offerings, other airports and transportation hubs are expected to follow. Analysts believe this momentum could accelerate beyond the 2026 rollout timeline if trials continue to show success.

Moscow-based economist Elena Chaykovskaya noted:

“The introduction of digital ruble payments in airports is a powerful signal that Russia wants its CBDC to be seen not just as experimental, but as an everyday tool.”

Conclusion: A turning point for Russia’s CBDC

The adoption of digital ruble payments at Pulkovo Airport represents a pivotal moment in Russia’s financial modernization.

While the full rollout remains a year away, the successful integration into one of the country’s busiest airports highlights both readiness and ambition.

With transaction volumes climbing, real estate deals already underway, and state-backed urgency driving progress, digital ruble payments are no longer a distant vision — they are here, practical, and expanding fast.