Russian Ambassador to US Alexander Darchiev Dies Suddenly at 66

Russia’s Ambassador to the United States, Alexander Darchiev, has died suddenly at the age of 66, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday.

Darchiev, who was appointed as Moscow’s ambassador to Washington in March 2025, had served in the position for just over a year and a half. The Foreign Ministry described him as an outstanding diplomat and an expert on US-Russia relations, noting that he had worked in one of the most challenging areas of Russian foreign policy.

In its statement, the ministry expressed condolences to his family and paid tribute to his diplomatic services. However, it did not disclose the cause or circumstances of his death.

Some media reports indicated that Darchiev had been receiving treatment in Moscow for a long-term chronic illness after leaving the Russian Embassy in Washington. These reports have not been officially confirmed by the Foreign Ministry.

Before his appointment to Washington, Darchiev served as Russia’s ambassador to Canada and held several senior positions in the Foreign Ministry’s North America Department, building extensive experience in relations with Western countries.

His tenure in Washington coincided with diplomatic efforts to improve strained US-Russia relations following Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025. His sudden death comes at a significant time for bilateral diplomacy between the two countries.