Russia's ambassador to the United States, Alexander Darchiev, has died "suddenly" at the age of 66, Moscow's foreign ministry announced on Wednesday.
The ministry described Darchiev as an "outstanding diplomat, an experienced leader and a kind colleague". He had held the post for just one and a half years, having been appointed in March 2025.
Career in Russia-US relations
Darchiev previously served as Russia's ambassador to Canada between 2021 and 2024. He was appointed to the US role last year, shortly after Donald Trump returned to power, and several years into Moscow's Ukraine offensive that has pitted Russia against the west.
A specialist in Russia-US relations, Darchiev was director of the foreign ministry's North America department between 2014 and 2020.
No further details released
Moscow did not provide more details on the death. In 2022, when Russia attacked Ukraine, Darchiev called the move a "necessary measure".
