Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Alexander Darchiev Dies at 66

Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday (November 11) that Alexander Darchiev, Russia's ambassador to the United States, has died in Moscow at the age of 66. Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said later on Telegram that Darchiev died of a chronic illness.

Only eight months in the post

President Vladimir Putin appointed Darchiev ambassador to Washington in March 2025, tasking the veteran diplomat with leading a rapprochement with the Trump administration. Darchiev was known in the past for his public denunciations of the West.

Death comes as U.S.-Russia contacts continue

Darchiev's death comes as diplomatic contacts between Washington and Moscow continue, with the two sides holding talks on Ukraine in Abu Dhabi in recent days. The Foreign Ministry did not say who would serve as acting ambassador or announce funeral arrangements. Source: Reuters.