How the Media Agenda Around BRICS is Changing After Trump and Brussels' Statements — and What It Means for Business?

The information landscape around BRICS has been dramatically swayed after Donald Trump stated that "countries are leaving" the bloc and it is "no longer talked about." The Kremlin responded that there are no such signals and BRICS is not planning actions "against" third currencies, as reported by Smotrim.ru. Simultaneously, the head of European diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, allowed for the use of "carrots and sticks" towards the Middle East to curb ties with Russia – a thesis that was recorded by Gazeta.ru.

What Exactly Did Trump Say About BRICS and How Did the Kremlin Respond?

Trump linked US tariffs to the "departure" of countries from BRICS and declared that the group is "no longer talked about." Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary for the Russian President, replied that the Kremlin has no information about any intention of countries to leave the association. Such an exchange of remarks was revealed by Smotrim.ru, referencing a meeting between Trump and Argentinian President Javier Milei.

The Kremlin also emphasized that BRICS "has never planned anything against" third countries and their currencies, thereby distancing itself from interpretations of "attacks on the dollar."

How Does Brussels Plan to Pressure the Middle East Over Ties with Russia?

According to Kaja Kallas, the European Commission is prepared to combine incentives and restrictions to weaken Middle Eastern countries' cooperation with Russia. She voiced this approach at a briefing on the "Mediterranean Pact," as reported by Gazeta.ru.

Commenting on the logic of such pressure, political scientist Dmitry Solonnikov indicates that attempts to "buy off" or intimidate partners come at a high cost to the EU itself, and the notion that "the whole world has ceased contacts with Russia" is an illusion that could prove costly for its proponents.

Will This Intensify De-dollarization Trends and Payment System Fragmentation?

Escalating sanction rhetoric fuels the narrative of de-dollarization. However, Moscow's official stance is that BRICS is not pursuing "attacks" on other currencies, a point directly recorded by Peskov. Meanwhile, the Chinese publication 360kuai (as retold by ABN24) links the potential confiscation of frozen Russian assets by the West to accelerated moves away from the dollar and payment fragmentation, which ABN24 is relaying.

According to 360kuai, central banks are "losing enthusiasm" for Western currencies and increasing their gold reserves, while Moscow, through BRICS, will demonstrate asset protection models and alternative payment channels. These theses are evaluative and originate from Chinese authors; they are not confirmed by official BRICS statements.

What Short-Term Market Risks Have Already Emerged — and Where Are the Chances for BRICS?

Amid US tariff rhetoric, markets have entered "risk-off" mode: Bitcoin plunged by -17% (below $105,000), while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq indices fell by 2.7% and 3.6% respectively. The catalyst was the US's readiness to impose 100% tariffs on imports from China, and Jamie Dimon estimated the probability of a serious correction at 30%, as detailed by "Realnoe Vremya."

"People talk about accumulating assets like cryptocurrency. I always say that we should stock up on bullets, guns, and bombs."

This statement was made by JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon's speech, which "Realnoe Vremya" also quotes.

Against this backdrop, Russia is discussing the transition to regulated digital assets: it was noted at FINOPOLIS 2025 that more than 7 million citizens already use cryptocurrencies, with transaction volumes estimated up to $180 billion. The agenda includes the idea of a potential BRICS stablecoin, according to analyses by "Realnoe Vremya."

• To BRICS Exporters: Factor in exchange rate volatility and logistical costs into pricing for potential US-China tariff escalation. Fix settlements within "short" windows and diversify contract currencies.
• For Banks and Fintech: Accelerate pilots for cross-border settlements via regulated digital assets. Assess infrastructural compatibility with a potential "common" BRICS stablecoin.
• For Issuers and Retailers: Prepare demand/capital scenarios amid "risk-off" and potential liquidity squeezes. Strengthen hedging policies for commodity and currency risks.
• For Investors: Reduce leverage in risky strategies, diversify across asset classes and scenarios (tariffs, geopolitics, digital asset regulation).

Conclusion: The media spiral around BRICS, from Trump's loud statements to signals from Brussels, is increasing uncertainty but does not change the fact that Russia's official thesis is that BRICS is not aimed at confrontation with foreign currencies. Meanwhile, market data and Asian media fuel the drive towards alternative settlement channels. For decision-makers in BRICS, this is a reason to accelerate "Plan B" for payments and risks, without awaiting a political resolution.