Russia's Ambassador to the United States, Alexander Darchiev, Dies at 66

Alexander Darchiev, Russia's ambassador to the United States, has died. Russia's foreign ministry confirmed the news of his death on Wednesday (11 November). He was 66 years old.

Moscow did not, however, give a cause of death. The information was reported by the international news outlet NDTV. The news agency AFP also published news of his death, citing Russia's foreign ministry.

In a statement, Russia's foreign ministry described Darchiev as an 'outstanding diplomat, experienced leader and kind colleague'.

Darchiev was appointed Russia's ambassador to the United States in March 2025. He took up the post shortly after US President Donald Trump returned to power for a second term. At the time, tensions were running between Russia and Western countries over the Ukraine war.

Before that, he served as Russia's ambassador to Canada from 2014 to 2021. Later, from 2021 to 2024, he was director of the North America department of the Russian foreign ministry.

Darchiev was also known as a specialist on Russia-US relations. After Russia's military operation in Ukraine began in 2022, he described it as a 'necessary step'.