Belarusian foreign minister and Putin ally dies 'after secret talks to end war in Ukraine'

Vladimir Makei, 64, was considered the only main channel of communication with the West in the pro-Russian regime of dictator Alexander Lukashenko. - he died one day after meeting the Pope's envoy Ante Jozić

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Vladimir Makei meets Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu

Belarus' foreign minister died suddenly today after apparently holding secret talks to end the war in Ukraine.

Vladimir Makei, 64, was considered the only main channel of communication with the West in the pro-Russian regime of dictator Alexander Lukashenko.

His death mysteriously occurred the day after he met with Pope's envoy Ante Jozić, where they reportedly discussed a secret peace plan to end the war in Ukraine.

Career spy Makei had been foreign minister for a decade and was due to host Vladimir Putin's foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, in Minsk on Sunday and Monday.

Lavrov's spokeswoman said Russia was "shocked" by his disappearance.

Vladimir Makei, 64, died a day after meeting with Pope's envoy Ante Jozić (

Picture:

Photo Library via Getty Images)

No cause of death was given - but multiple sources speculated that his death may be suspicious.

Makei was described as "in good health".

He was seen as eyeing the Belarusian presidency should Lukashenko step down - and was a former chief of staff to the tyrant.

He had been trained in the Soviet GRU - military intelligence, and had a reputation as Lukashenko's "gray cardinal".

There are reports that Makei died of a heart attack at home.

"He didn't see a doctor in time because he didn't take his condition seriously," a source said.

But others claimed he collapsed after reporting to Lukashenko about his meeting with the Pope's envoy.