The Russian ruble will officially begin to be used in Crimea on March 24, Crimean State Council (parliament) Chairman Vladimir Konstantinov said on Thursday, March 20.

"The ruble is already here. All operations will be carried out in rubles from Monday (March 24). Payments, pensions and salaries will be paid in rubles," he added.

Konstantinov said two currencies - the Russian ruble and the Ukrainian hryvnia - would be used in Crimea during the transitional period. "There are several deadlines (for using the hryvnia). Life will tell us when exactly it (the hryvnia) will no longer be needed," he said.