Russian ambassador to US Alexander Darchiev dies suddenly
SKAiF NewsNG SNN
Alexander Darchiev, Russia’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States, died on Wednesday at the age of 66, with the official cause unknown yet.
The Foreign Minister announced "the sudden passing" in a statement, describing Darchiev as an outstanding diplomat, an experienced leader, a dear colleague, and a mentor.
Moscow described the deceased as a consummate professional and a distinguished expert on American affairs, who devoted his career to one of the most important areas of Russian foreign policy.
"We extend our deepest condolences to Alexander Darchiev’s family and friends," the statement reads. "The memory of our colleague, who left us far too soon, will remain in our hearts forever."
Darchiev died barely a week after a White House news conference, where he commended a temporary ceasefire in Ukrainian territory occupied by Russia, a deal brokered by First Lady Melania Trump.
Among others in attendance were Russian special envoy Kirill Dmitriev and Ukrainian representatives, including human rights ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets and parliamentary faction head Davyd Arakhamia.
President Vladimir Putin appointed Darchiev as Russia's Ambassador to the US in March 2025, succeeding Anatoly Antonov. He previously served as Ambassador to Canada from 2014 to 2021.
Darchiev headed the Russian Foreign Ministry's North America and North Atlantic departments and was a senior counselor and minister-counselor at the Russian Embassy in Washington, D.C., earlier in his career.
