U.S. Special Representative and Lukashenko discuss prisoners and sanctions
U.S. President's Special Representative for Ukraine Keith Kellogg met with Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk on June 21, with discussions focusing on the release of prisoners and the potential easing of certain sanctions, according to Radio NV sources on June 22.
The parties agreed to continue such meetings, discuss the possible restoration of diplomatic relations, and consider lifting sanctions on Belarusian potash (Belaruskali). They also addressed organizing a dialogue between Belarus and Poland, according to a diplomatic source.
In return, Belarus released 14 political prisoners, including opposition leader Sergei Tikhanovskiy. The discussions also touched on the Russian-Belarusian military exercises, West 2025, and Belarus' involvement in peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.
Another source confirmed that the release of a Ukrainian political prisoner was discussed, but did not provide further details on their identity.
Along with Kellogg, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Smith, who previously visited Belarus in February, accompanied him on the trip.
On June 21, Belarus' self-proclaimed President Alexander Lukashenko met with U.S. President’s Special Representative for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg at the Independence Palace in Minsk.
Kellogg became the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit Belarus in recent years. In 2020, during Donald Trump’s administration, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo visited Belarus, marking the highest-level U.S. visit in 20 years. The trip was part of the Trump administration's efforts to improve relations with Belarus.
However, Joe Biden reversed the approach following the 2020 Belarusian elections, which were widely deemed fraudulent. In 2022, after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. suspended its embassy in Minsk.
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