Moscow:The Russian ambassador to the United States, Alexander Darchev, has died suddenly at the age of 66. This announcement was made by the Russian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday evening, but no details regarding the causes or circumstances of his death were provided.
According to Maan News Agency, Darchev was a seasoned diplomat with a specialization in Russian relations with North American countries. He was appointed as Moscow's ambassador to Washington in March 2025, taking over from Anatoly Antonov, whose term ended in October 2024.
The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed its condolences in a statement, highlighting Darchev's exceptional qualities as a diplomat, leader, and mentor. They described him as a "first-rate professional and a brilliant expert on American affairs." As of the announcement, a successor for Darchev had not been named.
Darchev was appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin during a period when Moscow and Washington were striving to reestablish communication channels after years of strained relations, exacerbated by the conflict in Ukraine. His appointment followed talks in Istanbul between representatives of the two countries aimed at addressing diplomatic mission operations, among other issues.
Throughout his career, Darchev accumulated extensive diplomatic experience. He held several roles at the Russian Embassy in Washington and served as Russia's ambassador to Canada from 2014 to 2021. Afterward, he led the North American Affairs Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry. Before his diplomatic career began in 1992, Darchev was engaged in academic research related to American history and politics.
Last year, former Russian diplomat Boris Bondarev, who resigned in opposition to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, mentioned to the Moscow Times that Darchev was closely associated with Yuri Ushakov, President Putin's foreign policy advisor and a pivotal figure in the Kremlin's foreign policy and diplomatic relations with the United States.