Russian ambassador to the US dies, Russia's foreign ministry announced

Russia's ambassador to the United States, Alexander Darchiev, has died at the age of 66, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday. He "passed away suddenly," said the ministry in a statement published on X without providing details about the cause of death.

The ministry described Darchiev as "an outstanding diplomat, an experienced leader, a kind colleague and a mentor." They extended "deepest and most heartfelt condolences" to his family and loved ones.

Diplomatic Career

Darchiev held several positions within Russia's Foreign Ministry before replacing Anatoly Antonov as ambassador to the US in early 2025, shortly after Donald Trump's election. He previously served at Russia's embassy in Washington in the late 2000s and spent six years as Russia's ambassador to Canada between 2014 and 2021.

Tense Relations

The veteran diplomat, appointed by Vladimir Putin, was known for his repeated condemnations of the West. His death comes as Moscow and Washington struggle to restore deteriorated relations since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. At the time, Darchiev called the move a "necessary measure."