MINSK, BELARUS — In a notable diplomatic development, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko held talks with U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg on Saturday, according to the state-run news agency Belta. The high-level meeting marks one of the most significant engagements between Washington and Minsk in recent years.
During their discussion, Lukashenko and Kellogg reportedly addressed global political dynamics and the state of U.S.-Belarus relations. The visit comes amid ongoing international efforts to find a pathway toward ending the war in Ukraine.
Sources in Washington had earlier informed Reuters of Kellogg’s intention to travel to Belarus, with hopes that the trip might serve as a preliminary step toward restarting peace negotiations concerning the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
A video clip released by Belta showed a warm greeting between the two leaders, with Lukashenko embracing the U.S. envoy and referring to him as “the most media-savvy person around these days.”
Kellogg’s visit represents the highest-level U.S. diplomatic presence in Belarus in recent years, signaling a potential shift in tone and possibly a new avenue for dialogue in a region still deeply affected by geopolitical tensions.