Russian Ambassador to the United States Alexander Darchiev Dies at 66

Russia’s foreign ministry announced on Wednesday, November 11, that Ambassador Alexander Darchiev died at the age of 66. The ministry did not provide details about the cause of death.

The ministry described Darchiev as an “outstanding diplomat, an experienced leader and a kind colleague.” He had served as Russia’s ambassador to Washington since March 2025, after President Vladimir Putin appointed him to the post.

Darchiev, a career diplomat since 1992, previously served as Russia’s ambassador to Canada from 2014 to 2021 and headed the Russian Foreign Ministry’s North America Department from 2021 to 2024. His appointment followed a vacancy that began after Anatoly Antonov left the Washington post in October 2024.

His tenure coincided with diplomatic outreach between Moscow and the United States under President Donald Trump, including an official note from the U.S. side confirming his appointment and talks in Istanbul aimed at resolving lingering diplomatic issues. Darchiev had also publicly defended Russia’s 2022 military action in Ukraine, calling it a “necessary measure.”