Russia’s 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, as reported by Al Jazeera and The Guardian.

Darchiev was appointed ambassador to the US in March 2025, shortly after the return of US President Donald Trump to power, and served during a critical period marked by Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

The Russian Foreign Ministry described him as an outstanding diplomat and experienced leader who specialized in Russia-US relations and worked in one of the most critical areas of Russian foreign policy.

Before his US posting, Darchiev served as Russia’s ambassador to Canada from 2014 to 2021 and held various diplomatic roles related to North America since entering the service in 1992.

His diplomatic career included serving as first secretary and head of the North America department, adviser to the Russian Embassy in the US, and director of the North America department in Russia's Foreign Ministry.

The ministry did not provide further details about the cause of his sudden death.