MOSCOW 

The Russian central bank will accelerate and expand the digital ruble project for international payments, First Deputy Governor of Central Bank of the Russian Federation Olga Skorobogatova, announced on Thursday.

A significant number of applicants have requested that the project be expanded to include all banks, she said.

The digital ruble testing process has been ongoing since 2023, intending to use it for international payments soon, she stressed.

Furthermore, Skorobogatova pointed out that the project will expand starting Sept. 1.

*Writing by Sahika Olgun from Istanbul