The Russian Foreign Ministry announced on the 11th of November that the Russian Ambassador to the US, Alexander Darchiev, has died, Politico reports.A statement from the Ministry on social media indicated that Darchiev’s death was sudden; however, Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated separately that the ambassador passed away in Moscow due to a chronic illness. The Ministry described the loss of an outstanding diplomat, an experienced leader, and a kind colleague and mentor. Darchiev – a professional and an expert on US affair – worked in one of the most demanding areas of Russian foreign policy.Russian dictator Vladimir Putin appointed Darchiev – known as a sharp, public critic of Western policy – to the post in March 2025, following the return of current US President Donald Trump to the White House.In a statement issued in Russian, the embassy praised Darchiev for defending Moscow’s interests in North Americaand for working to shape US-Russia relations based on the principle of equality. Darchiev had previously worked at the Russian Embassy in Washington before serving as ambassador to Canada and heading the North American Department at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican representative from Florida – who has maintained friendly relations with high-ranking Russian officials and advocated for closer ties with Moscow (a stance that has drawn criticism from members of both parties) – referred to Darchiyev in a social media post as a friend and a patriot of his country. She stated that she and Darchiyev had dreamed of peace and discussed the historical relationship between the United States and Russia. Luna added that the ambassador was the embodiment of a true diplomat, who dedicated himself to representing his country.
Russian ambassador to the US has died
