Russian Foreign Ministry says its ambassador to US has died
Russia's Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that Alexander Darchiev, Moscow's ambassador to the United States, has died in Moscow at the age of 66 from an unspecified chronic illness.
Darchiev was appointed to the post in March 2025 by Vladimir Putin after the position had been vacant for six months following the dismissal of hardliner Anatoly Antonov in October 2024.
The diplomat was a veteran of the Russian diplomatic corps, having previously led the Foreign Ministry's North America and North Atlantic departments and served as ambassador to Canada from 2014 to 2021.
He was also known for his public denunciations of the West and led Russia's negotiating team during February 2025 Ukraine peace talks with the US in Istanbul, Turkey.
Foreign Ministry reaction
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described Darchiev as an outstanding diplomat, experienced leader, good comrade and mentor and a brilliant scholar on US history and affairs.
Zakharova warned against the spread of conspiracy theories surrounding Darchiev's passing, accusing US media outlets of being "particularly active" in that regard.
Next steps
No date has been given for his funeral, and details for a memorial service will be announced at a later date, according to Zakharova.
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