Alexander Darchiev, Russia’s ambassador to the United States, dead at 66

Darchiev held the position since March of last year.

Alexander Darchiev, Russia’s ambassador to the United States, died Wednesday at the age of 66, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry.

The diplomat had headed the Russian Embassy in Washington since March 2025.

No cause of death was immediately announced. The Foreign Ministry announcement said Darchiev "passed away suddenly."

The announcement called Darchiev "an outstanding diplomat, an experienced leader, a kind friend, and a mentor," as well as "a consummate professional and a brilliant expert on American affairs" who "served in one of the most critical areas of Russian foreign policy.

Prior to serving as ambassador the the U.S., Darchiev headed the Russian Foreign Ministry’s North America Department, served at Russia’s diplomatic mission in the United States, and was Russia’s ambassador to Canada from 2014 to 2021.

This is a breaking story. Please check back for updates.