Russia's envoy to Washington, Darchiev, dies at 66
Alexander Darchiev, Russia's ambassador to the United States, died suddenly in Moscow on 11 Nov at age 66, the Russian Foreign Ministry said. The ministry announced the death on 12 Nov and gave no further detail on the cause, though it described the illness as chronic and unspecified. Darchiev had held the Washington post since March 2025, when President Vladimir Putin appointed him to lead rapprochement with the Trump administration. He previously served as ambassador to Canada from 2014 to 2021. The U.S. State Department confirmed the death and offered condolences.
Key facts
- Darchiev led Russia's delegation at Russia–U.S. talks in Istanbul in February 2025.
- The ministry described him as an outstanding diplomat and experienced leader.
- Darchiev graduated from Lomonosov Moscow State University in 1983.
Summarised with AI from 5 sources · Updated 05:11Read our AI policy
Why it matters
The death removes Russia's senior envoy from its main diplomatic channel with Washington.
What changed
Summary updated
First published from The Moscow Times, Hindustan Times, Meduza, The Straits Times and Euronews