Russian Ambassador to US, Alexander Darchiev, dies at 66 after 18 months in the job-here's what the Russian Foreign Ministry said about his sudden death

Russia's ambassador to the US, Alexander Darchiev, has died suddenly at 66, the Foreign Ministry has confirmed. Darchiev had been in Washington since March 2025, so just over a year and a half in the post. The Ministry confirmed the news but gave no explanation as to what had happened or where he died.

In its statement, Russia paid homage to Darchiev, calling him an "outstanding diplomat, an experienced leader, a kind colleague and a mentor."

Russian Foreign Ministry announced his death

The Russian Foreign Ministry has announced that Darchiev died on 11th November. The statement expressed deep sorrow and described him as a highly respected diplomat who had spent many years working on US relations. The ministry also described him as an outstanding professional and a very distinguished expert on America. They sent their condolences to his family and friends. However, no details have been given as to the cause of death. The announcement makes no mention of who will take over his post in Washington.

Darchiev was appointed Ambassador in March 2025, immediately upon Donald Trump's return to the White House. He was in post during a very difficult period for relations with the West.

"An exceptional professional and a distinguished expert on the United States, Alexander Darchiev served in one of the most demanding areas of Russian foreign policy. We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Alexander Darchiev’s family and loved ones. The cherished memory of our colleague, taken from us far too soon, will remain in our hearts forever," the Russian Foreign Ministry wrote in a post on Facebook.

A career focused on Russia-US relations

Darchiev spent a large part of his diplomatic career working on North America. He was head of the Foreign Ministry's North America department from 2014 to 2020, dealing with both the US and Canada during that time. He subsequently moved to Ottawa, where he was Russia's ambassador to Canada from 2021 to 2024 and then to Washington, where he stayed until his death, as per Türkiye Today.

His time in Washington came amid Ukraine tensions

Darchiev's appointment came as Russia's war in Ukraine continued to damage its relations with the Western governments. When Russia went in with its full scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Darchiev described it as a "necessary measure." His death follows some 18 months as Russia's top diplomat in the US. The Foreign Ministry has not yet named his successor. The inputs are taken from Gulf News and Türkiye Today.