Russia’s State Arms Giant Rostec to Launch Ruble-Pegged Stablecoin RUBx and RT-Pay Platform on Tron

Rostec, Russia’s largest state-owned defense conglomerate and the parent company behind iconic military exports like MiG fighter jets and AK rifles, has unveiled plans to launch a ruble-pegged stablecoin, RUBx, and a blockchain-based payment platform, RT-Pay, on the Tron blockchain by the end of 2025. These initiatives are expected to bolster financial independence amid ongoing Western sanctions.

This ambitious initiative aims to digitize the Russian ruble, streamline domestic and international transactions, and bolster financial independence amid ongoing Western sanctions.

Leveraging Tron’s high-throughput blockchain, the project aims to deliver secure, compliant, and efficient digital payments, aligning with Russia’s growing emphasis on blockchain adoption.

RUBx: A Ruble-Backed Stablecoin for Digital Transactions

RUBx, pegged 1:1 to the Russian ruble, will be exclusively issued and managed by Rostec, ensuring centralized oversight while adhering to Russia’s rigorous anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) regulations.

“Each RUBx is backed by real obligations in rubles, kept in treasury accounts,” said Alexander Nazarov, deputy CEO of Rostec’s digital division.

The 1:1 backing ensures stability, with ruble-denominated assets securely held in reserve to correspond with circulating RUBx tokens. The stablecoin’s smart contract code will be published on GitHub for transparency, and blockchain security firm CertiK has been engaged to conduct an independent audit before the launch to ensure robust security.

While Russia’s digital ruble pilot is managed by the Central Bank as an official CBDC initiative, RUBx represents a parallel effort by Rostec to create a ruble-pegged stablecoin for practical use in both domestic and cross-border payments. Unlike the digital ruble, RUBx is designed to circulate on public blockchains and be accessible via major cryptocurrency exchanges, with Rostec already exploring listings to enhance liquidity and adoption.

RT-Pay: A Blockchain Payment Platform for Russia’s Financial Future

RT-Pay will complement RUBx by serving as a blockchain-driven payment platform seamlessly integrated with Russia’s banking infrastructure. The RT-Pay platform will facilitate swift, secure, and legally compliant digital transactions, incorporating smart contract features for automated settlements and compatibility with external digital wallets.

“The platform will be launched in stages, targeting industries with high payment friction first, with plans to expand its functionality,” said Dmitry Shumayev, Rostec’s blockchain project lead.

The staged deployment will enable thorough testing to ensure scalability and adherence to the Central Bank of Russia’s regulatory standards.

Geopolitical Implications and Sanctions Evasion

Rostec’s foray into blockchain technology comes amid intensified Western sanctions, which have targeted the conglomerate since 2014 and 2022 for its role in Russia’s defense sector. Restricted access to SWIFT has made RUBx and RT-Pay strategic tools to circumvent traditional financial systems, allowing Russia to conduct international trade using digital assets. The choice of Tron, a blockchain popular for stablecoins like USDT, reflects its reliability for high-volume transactions and its independence from Western-controlled financial networks

This initiative aligns with Russia’s broader adoption of blockchain solutions, as seen in institutions like Sberbank and Gazprom, which have used cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Tether for cross-border payments.

However, the centralized nature of RUBx, controlled by a state entity, contrasts with the decentralized ethos of many cryptocurrencies, raising questions about its long-term alignment with global crypto trends.

Tron’s affiliation with its high-profile founder Justin Sun — who has faced regulatory scrutiny in the U.S. — could raise concerns about geopolitical or reputational risks. However, Rostec seeks to mitigate these issues through transparency measures such as open-sourcing RUBx’s smart contracts and commissioning independent audits by firms like CertiK, aiming to build institutional trust in the platform.