Russia’s ambassador to the United States, Alexander Darchiev, died “suddenly” on Wednesday at the age of 66, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced, without providing further details about the cause or location of his death, AFP reports.
“The leadership and staff of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announce with deep sorrow the sudden passing of Alexander Nikitich Darchiev on November 11 (…),” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The ministry describes Darchiev as an “outstanding diplomat” and a “brilliant expert on U.S. affairs.”
“He worked in one of the most critical areas of Russian foreign policy,” the Foreign Ministry emphasized.
President Vladimir Putin appointed Alexander Darchiev—an experienced diplomat known for his past public criticism of the West—as ambassador to Washington in March 2025 to lead efforts to restore ties between Moscow and Donald Trump’s administration, a move that has raised concerns in Ukraine and across Europe, Reuters reports.
The Russian ambassador’s death also comes as peace talks are taking place in Abu Dhabi between Russia and Ukraine, mediated by the United States.