US Special Envoy Meets Belarus Leader Amid Ukraine Conflict

President Trump has sent Keith Kellogg, his Special Envoy for Ukraine, to Belarus for talks with President Alexander Lukashenko, marking the highest-level U.S. diplomatic engagement with Belarus in years amid ongoing Ukraine-Russia tensions. This meeting in Minsk represents a shift from the Biden administration's policy of isolating Belarus through sanctions, although no immediate easing of sanctions has been announced. Kellogg's visit secured the release of 14 political prisoners and aimed to explore the resumption of peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, addressing what Kellogg described as 'dangerous times' and multiple crises. Belarus, a close ally of Russia, has played a critical support role in Russia's war against Ukraine, hosting Russian forces and missile systems, and facilitating military cooperation. Lukashenko stressed the importance of sincere and direct communication during the talks, assuring Kellogg of his safety and signaling no escalation during the visit. The discussions come amid stalled ceasefire negotiations, with the Istanbul platform noted as a key venue for ongoing Russia-Ukraine talks.