Russian ambassador to US dies suddenly, foreign ministry says

ATLANTA — Russia's ambassador to the United States, Alexander Darchiev, has died at the age of 66, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday. The cause of his death has not been publicly confirmed.

Darchiev "passed away suddenly," the ministry said in a statement, describing him as an "exceptional professional."

"Alexander Darchiev served in one of the most demanding areas of Russian foreign policy," the statement said. "We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Alexander Darchiev's family and loved ones."

Putin appointed Darchiev, a veteran diplomat known for his stinging condemnations of the West, as ambassador to Washington in March, 2025, according to Reuters.

Before serving as ambassador, Darchiev held several positions within Russia's Foreign Ministry, according to the Russian embassy in the US.

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