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Cash withdrawals in Russia increased sharply in 2026 as mobile internet shutdowns in many areas disrupted card payments and prompted many citizens to return to using cash.

According to a report by the Russian Central Bank, since the beginning of the year, the country has added about 1.56 trillion rubles (about 20 billion dollars) into the cash flow. The increase comes as Russia continues to shut down mobile internet in response to drone attacks from Ukraine.

Some people say that carrying cash provides a sense of security and trust rather than relying on electronic payment systems. One woman in Moscow told the BBC that having cash on hand gives her confidence that she can buy essential goods if an emergency arises.

The report also shows that cash use has already increased after the president Vladimir Putin Declared partial military disarmament in 2022 and during the group's insurgency Wagner In the year 2023.

Experts warn that the trend toward cash is making it harder for the Russian government to collect tax revenues as the country faces budget pressures and huge military spending for the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, senior officials Sberbank It also warned that some businesses are paying salaries in cash to avoid paying taxes.