What's Really Happening with BRICS After Trump's Statement on the 'End of the Association'?

The catalyst was a sharp remark by Donald Trump that BRICS "has come to an end" and that "all countries have decided to leave" the association due to American tariffs, as reported by Obshchestvennaya Sluzhba Novostey, citing RIA Novosti. Against this backdrop, the Kremlin publicly stated the opposite: there are no statements of member withdrawal, and the purpose of BRICS is cooperation, not confrontation.

How Did the Kremlin React and What Exactly Did Peskov Say?

The Kremlin denied the thesis of "countries leaving": Peskov stated that he has no such information, as reported by RT in Russian.

"As for all countries leaving, frankly, I do not have such information." — Dmitry Peskov

He further emphasized the cooperative nature of the association and the absence of antagonism towards third countries and their currencies; such theses are officially enshrined in the final documents of BRICS meetings, as he clarified in response to journalists.

What Does This Say About the Overall Positioning of BRICS?

The official Russian position defines BRICS as a platform for mutually beneficial development and stability, rather than an instrument of opposition. Peskov linked relevant formulations to the agenda of "prosperity, stability, and predictability" and their reflection in the final documents, as follows from his comments. He also specifically noted that BRICS "has never conspired against third states and their currencies," as reported by Obshchestvennaya Sluzhba Novostey.

What Practical Conclusions Are Important Now for Companies from BRICS+ Countries?

The key conclusion is that there are no signs of the association collapsing; the public stance is a continuation of cooperation within BRICS. For businesses, this means:

• Operational plans and project schedules tied to BRICS tracks (business forums, specialized working groups) should be maintained without changes, while monitoring official communiqués.
• Communication risk has increased: political statements can create short bursts of headlines. Factor in prompt explanations for counterparties and investors regarding the status of projects within BRICS.
• The trade and tariff issue will remain in the media agenda. Monitor specifics on US tariffs for your product categories and prepare scenarios for reconfiguring logistics/origin marking in case of escalation.
• The reputational framework of BRICS is officially cooperative. Use this in negotiations and presentations as an argument for the predictability and political neutrality of project interaction.