Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the "Russia Calling!" forum hosted by VTB Bank that digital currencies will play an important role in the BRICS investment platform. The current digital ruble pilot has covered 9,000 citizens and 1,200 enterprises. It is planned to be fully launched in July 2025 and will be first applied to the settlement of the federal budget system next year. The investment platform will connect BRICS member countries such as Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Previously, Putin said that no one can ban bitcoin, nor can anyone ban the use of other electronic payment methods.