US, Belarus reopen channels as Kellogg talks war and peace in Minsk PHOTO

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko met with Keith Kellogg, the United States Special Envoy for Ukraine, at the Palace of Independence in Minsk.

The meeting took place as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing the Ukrainian conflict and broader international concerns.

The agenda for the talks included a wide range of topics, from the global geopolitical situation and regional dynamics to the state of Belarusian-American relations, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Lukashenko emphasised the importance of open and honest dialogue, asking, “You have caused a lot of noise in the world with your arrival. But I wonder why. Can't we have a normal dialogue and talk about our affairs — about relations between Belarus and the United States of America?”

The Belarusian leader voiced hope for a candid exchange: “Otherwise, why meet? If we play games and try to outsmart each other, we will not achieve anything.”

Keith Kellogg, in turn, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to meet and highlighted the importance of fairness and wisdom in navigating global crises. “Crises can escalate sharply and spread if we are not wise and fair,” he said. Lukashenko assured Kellogg of full security during his visit, stating, “There will be no escalation, not only in Belarus, but also around us.”

Earlier, it was reported that Kellogg would visit Minsk to discuss possible frameworks for resolving the war in Ukraine. He has recently reviewed draft memorandums exchanged between Russian and Ukrainian representatives at a meeting in Istanbul on 2 June and stated that the United States now has a clearer understanding of what a potential settlement might look like.