Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko met with U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg on June 21 in Minsk, marking a rare high-level contact between the two countries. According to Belarusian state news agency Belta, the two discussed “the political situation in the world” and bilateral relations.

Kellogg’s visit is interpreted by sources in Washington as a potential opening to reinitiate peace efforts to end Russia’s war against Ukraine. Though the precise agenda was not publicly detailed, the envoy’s arrival has drawn significant attention due to its possible diplomatic implications.

A Symbolic Embrace Signals Thaw

In a video released by Belta, Lukashenko is seen warmly embracing Kellogg. “Who doesn’t know him? He is the most media-savvy person around these days,” Lukashenko remarked, underscoring the unusual friendliness of the meeting.

Kellogg’s presence in Minsk marks the most senior U.S. diplomatic engagement with Belarus in years. His visit comes as international efforts to resolve the war in Ukraine appear stalled and Western diplomats seek new angles to reengage actors close to Moscow.