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By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
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Russia’s ambassador to the U.S. died “suddenly” at age 66, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced late Wednesday morning.
Ambassador Alexander Darchiev was stationed at the Russian Embassy in Washington, D.C., a post he had served in since March 2025. His death comes less than two years after he took the post during a consequential period in U.S.-Russia relations marked by the continuing war in Ukraine, stalled peace efforts and disputes over sanctions against Moscow. It was unclear if Darchiev was in the U.S. at the time of his death, and a cause was not immediately provided.
"The leadership and staff of the Russian Foreign Ministry announce with profound sorrow that Alexander Darchiev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the USA, passed away suddenly on November 11, aged 66," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a translated statement sent to Newsweek on Wednesday afternoon.
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"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 Darchiev served in one of the most demanding areas of the Russian foreign policy."
Newsweek reached out to the White House by email for comment on Wednesday.
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Darchiev was born in 1960 and graduated from Lomonosov Moscow State University in 1983, according to his biography on the Embassy of Russian Federation website. He was granted the diplomatic rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary in 2016.
Over the past 20 years, he has served in various roles:
- 2005-2010: Minister-counselor of the Russian Embassy in the U.S.
- 2010-2014: Director of the North America Department.
- 2014-2020: Ambassador of Russia to Canada.
- 2021-2024: Returns as Director of the North America Department
- 2024-2025: Director of North Atlantic Department.
- March 6, 2025-November 2026: Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the United States of America and concurrently Permanent Observer of the Russian Federation to the Organization of American States.
Darchiev was commended for his work numerous times throughout his career, and he has received various awards and diplomas, including a badge for distinction and a medal for strengthening military cooperation.
“The cherished memory of our colleague will forever remain in our hearts,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said on X.
This is a developing story. Updates to follow.
Newsweek’s reporters and editors used Martyn, our AI assistant, to produce this story. Learn more about Martyn here.
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Gabe Whisnant and Dave Siminoff.
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