Russian ambassador to US dies: Foreign ministry - CNA

In this photo provided by the Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service on Nov 11, 2026, Russian Ambassador to the US Alexander Darchiev poses for an official undated photo in Moscow, Russia. (Photo: AP/Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service)

MOSCOW: Russia's ambassador to the United States, Alexander Darchiev, has died suddenly at age 66 after one and a half years in the job, Moscow's foreign ministry announced Wednesday (Nov 11).

The ministry called Darchiev an "outstanding diplomat, an experienced leader and a kind colleague". He was appointed in March 2025.

Moscow did not give more details on the death.

The US State Department said Darchiev died Wednesday in Moscow.

CNA Games Guess Word Crack the word, one row at a time Buzzword Create words using the given letters Mini Sudoku Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser Mini Crossword Small grid, big challenge Word Search Spot as many words as you can Show More Show Less "We offer our condolences to Ambassador Darchiev's family and loved ones. We refer you to the Russian Government for additional details regarding his passing," a State Department spokesman said.

Darchiev previously served as Russia's ambassador to Canada between 2014 and 2021.

He was appointed to the US role last year shortly after President Donald Trump returned to power, and several years into Moscow's Ukraine offensive that has pitted Russia against the West.

Darchiev was a specialist in Russia-US relations and was the director of the foreign ministry's North America department between 2021 and 2024.

When Russia attacked Ukraine in 2022, Darchiev called the move a "necessary measure".