By making repayment in Rubles the market for Rubles will be bolstered. Note the Russians are not actually defaulting, they are just making sure that the Ruble will not be slaughtered.
Those getting paid, will have to individually deal with stupid brainwashed or controlled banks refusing to exchange Rubles. Each entity will be either putting legal pressure on the banks, or holding Rubles, until this thing blows over. Either strategy will benefit Russia.
By making repayment in Rubles the market for Rubles will be bolstered. Note the Russians are not actually defaulting, they are just making sure that the Ruble will not be slaughtered.
Those getting paid, will have to individually deal with stupid brainwashed or controlled banks refusing to exchange Rubles. Each entity will be either putting legal pressure on the banks, or holding Rubles, until this thing blows over. Either strategy will benefit Russia.