Russian Ambassador to US Alexander Darchiev dies suddenly at 66
The Russian Foreign Ministry has not disclosed the cause of death for the veteran diplomat.
Russia’s Ambassador to the United States, Alexander Darchiev, died suddenly on Wednesday, November 11, at the age of 66, according to reports by News18, WION and The Times of India.
The Russian Foreign Ministry announced the death in a post on X, stating that Darchiev passed away suddenly. The ministry described him as an "outstanding diplomat, an experienced leader and a kind colleague" and a "professional of the highest order."
Darchiev had served as the Russian ambassador to Washington since March 2025, after being appointed by President Vladimir Putin. He succeeded Anatoly Antonov, who departed in October 2024.
A career diplomat since 1992, Darchiev previously served as Russia’s ambassador to Canada from 2014 to 2021. He also headed the Russian Foreign Ministry’s North America Department between 2021 and 2024.
During his tenure in Washington, Darchiev was tasked with leading efforts to improve ties with the administration of US President Donald Trump. This initiative had raised concerns in Ukraine and several European countries.
Darchiev was a specialist in Russia-US relations and had previously worked at the Russian Embassy in Washington in the late 2000s. The cause of his death has not been disclosed by Moscow.
