Belarus is making significant strides towards the introduction of its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), the digital ruble, with plans to launch by late 2026. The National Bank of Belarus is gearing up to onboard businesses first, followed by government agencies and citizens in 2027.
The roadmap to nationwide CBDC deployment is comprehensive, with National Bank board chairman Roman Golovchenko confirming the timeline in a report by local news outlet Belta on April 17. Golovchenko highlighted the bank’s priority in defining the platform, building domestic software, and drafting clear regulations to support the CBDC in Belarus.
The digital ruble in Belarus will prioritize end-to-end traceability to address concerns over money laundering and ensure compliance. Collaboration with Russia on cross-border payments is crucial, as both countries develop ruble-pegged digital currencies to navigate sanctions and streamline regional trade.
On the other hand, Russia is facing technical hurdles in launching its own CBDC, pushing back the timeline to mid-2026. Despite this delay, some Russian companies are turning to crypto assets for international trade to soften volatile currency swings. This shift in trade settlements has led to stability in the ruble, with more firms opting to pay foreign partners in cryptocurrency instead of traditional currencies.
Calls for the legalization of crypto payments in Russia have been growing, with pressure mounting on the Bank of Russia to embrace digital assets. Legal uncertainty surrounding cryptocurrency transactions has prompted businesses like logistics operator ETE to urge Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin to overhaul currency-control rules and establish clear protocols for digital asset issuance.
In a move to streamline coin confiscation in investigations, Russia is set to add cryptocurrency and related terms to its Criminal Code. The Ministry of Justice has drafted the bill, which aims to establish clear procedures for seizing crypto assets in criminal cases. This step is expected to enhance law enforcement’s capabilities and safeguard innocent holders before the law takes effect.
As Belarus fast-tracks its CBDC launch, the integration of digital ruble and compliance upgrades in local companies mark the beginning of a transformative financial landscape. The collaboration with Russia in developing payment rails aims to curb sanction exposure, streamline regional trade, and bolster security services. With a strategic roadmap in place, Belarus is poised to navigate the challenges of Western sanctions and pave the way for a digital future in finance.