Belarus’ top diplomat, Yury Ambrazevich, has held a series of meetings with his European counterparts, Reuters reports. European diplomats see the move as an attempt to reduce international isolation, especially amid improving relations with Washington under Donald Trump.
Belarusian officials have been persona non grata in the EU since a disputed 2020 election and crackdown on the opposition, as well as sanctions imposed in 2022 over Minsk’s support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Ambrazevich, who was appointed ambassador to the Vatican in March and coordinates European relations, sent invitations to several European countries from the embassy in Paris in September, proposing meetings for October 6-9. He informally coordinates Belarus’s contacts with Western Europe and emphasizes Minsk’s role in Russia-Ukraine talks and European security issues.
European diplomats, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed they had received the invitation and that several meetings had taken place. It was also noted that Minsk was trying to take advantage of the prospect of possible sanctions relief from Trump.
According to Reuters, the Belarusian embassy described the meetings as “standard diplomatic practice.”
