Russia's Ambassador to the United States, Alexander Darchiev, has died at the age of 66, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday. The ministry did not disclose the cause of his death.
In a statement, the ministry said Darchiev had "passed away suddenly" and described him as an "exceptional professional". It also paid tribute to his contribution to Russian diplomacy.
“Alexander Darchiev served in one of the most demanding areas of Russian foreign policy,” the statement said. “We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Alexander Darchiev's family and loved ones.”
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◾️ The Russian Foreign Ministry announces with profound sorrow that Alexander Darchiev, Ambassador of Russia to the USA, passed away suddenly on November 11, aged 66. The cherished memory of our colleague will forever remain in our hearts. https://t.co/YKgRc2yuZk https://t.co/bBLu9zMAe1
— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) November 11, 2026
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A veteran diplomat, Darchiev had served as Russia's ambassador to Washington since March 2025. His appointment came at a time when US President Donald Trump was seeking to improve ties with Moscow through bilateral talks, while his administration also scaled back aid to Ukraine.
Darchiev was known for his strong criticism of Western countries. Before taking up the ambassadorial post in Washington, he headed the Russian Foreign Ministry's North Atlantic Department.
He had also served as Russia's ambassador to Canada from 2014 to 2021, according to the Russian embassy in the US.
Who Was Alexander Darchiev?
Darchiev had a long career in the Russian diplomatic service, with much of his work focused on relations with North America.
He served as Russia's ambassador to Canada for nearly seven years, from 2014 to 2021. After returning to Moscow, he headed the Foreign Ministry's North Atlantic Department before being appointed ambassador to the US in March 2025.
His tenure in Washington coincided with efforts by the Trump administration and Moscow to restore communication between the two countries after years of strained relations.
Another Russian Diplomat Died Suddenly In 2017
Darchiev's death comes nearly a decade after another senior Russian diplomat, Vitaly Churkin, died suddenly in 2017.
Churkin, who was Russia's ambassador to the United Nations, died in New York on February 20, 2017, at the age of 64. He passed away just one day before his 65th birthday. Reports at the time said he had suffered cardiac arrest.
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