Russian Ambassador to the United States Dies Aged 66 in Moscow

Alexander Darchiev, Moscow's ambassador to the United States, has died at the age of 66, according to reports by DW, AP News, Anadolu Ajansı, NewsCord, and HuffPost citing the Russian Foreign Ministry. DW reported that the diplomat died in Moscow from an unspecified chronic illness on Wednesday. HuffPost and NewsCord noted that the Russian Foreign Ministry reported he died suddenly. [1][5][6][7][9]

DW reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed Darchiev to the Washington diplomatic post in March 2025. The appointment followed the return of Donald Trump to the White House as both countries sought to improve relations. The ambassador position had been vacant for six months after Anatoly Antonov was relieved of his duties in October 2024, according to DW. [1]

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova issued a statement following the announcement of the death of the long-time diplomat, DW reported. [1]

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation functions as the central government institution responsible for leading the foreign policy and foreign relations of Russia. [10]