Yerevan (CoinChapter.com) – Russia’s Central Bank has denied claims that the digital ruble will expire or disappear from wallets if not spent. Posts on social media, especially on Instagram, suggest that the government may “burn” unused funds. Officials have called these claims false and without any legal basis.

The head of the National Payment System Department, Alla Bakina, responded to this question on the Pyerviy Canal program “Fighting Fake News”. She said:

"Of course, these social media reports are false. They do not correspond to reality and there is no legal support for what they claim."

Russia's Central Bank refutes digital ruble misinformation
The central bank reported a surge in oppositional content on social media regarding the digital ruble. Many posts encouraged people to reject the central bank digital currency (CBDC), warning that it would limit personal financial control.

Bakina said the digital ruble belongs to the wallet holder, just like cash.

“Once the funds reach an individual, they become their property. The wallet holder has the right to use those funds at any time.”
The central bank stressed that the digital ruble has no expiration date. Officials explained that wallet holders control their funds and have no restrictions on when to spend them.

Bank rejects 'mandatory digital ruble' argument
Some social media accounts claimed that the government would force citizens to adopt the digital ruble. The central bank denied this, saying participation would be voluntary.

“Opening a digital ruble wallet is a personal decision. No one is required to do it,” the bank said. Officials also noted that many misleading claims were circulated on Instagram, and that the platform is banned in Russia. The government has labeled Meta an “extremist” organization and restricted access to its services.

The bank said the rejection letter was unnecessary
Some viral posts encouraged users to send official rejection letters to banks or public service centers to avoid using the digital ruble. The central bank said this was unnecessary.

“It is not necessary to send any statement,” the bank clarified. “If someone does not want to use the digital ruble, they can simply not open their wallet.”
Officials also refuted claims of the multi-purpose centre’s involvement in the CBDC rollout.

“These centers have nothing to do with the digital ruble wallet,” Bakina said.

Full rollout of digital ruble continues
The Russian Central Bank began real-world testing of the digital ruble in August 2023. The government also plans a nationwide rollout by the end of 2025. The Federal Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Finance are also testing the digital ruble for budget payments. Despite the central bank’s clarification, skepticism remains. Many continue to question the impact of CBDCs on financial independence.