Russian ambassador to U.S. dies at 66 - Foreign Ministry

MOSCOW. Nov 11 (Interfax) - Russian Ambassador to the United States Alexander Darchiyev has died at the age of 66, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

"The leadership and staff of the Russian Foreign Ministry announce with profound sorrow that Alexander Darchiyev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the USA, passed away suddenly on November 11, aged 66," the ministry said on Telegram.

"We have lost an outstanding diplomat, an experienced leader, a kind colleague and a mentor. An exceptional professional and a distinguished expert on the United States, Alexander Darchiyev served in one of the most demanding areas of Russian foreign policy," it said.

The ministry expressed "deepest and most heartfelt condolences" to Darchiyev's family and loved ones.

Darchiyev has served in the Russian Foreign Ministry system since 1992, holding various positions both at its headquarters and abroad, including as deputy director of the North America department, minister-counselor at the Russian embassy to the U.S., and director of the North America department.

He served as Russia's ambassador to Canada from 2014 to 2021 and as ambassador to the U.S. since March 2025.