Russia's ambassador to the United States, Alexander Darchiev, died suddenly on Wednesday in Moscow at the age of 66. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced the death, describing Darchiev as an outstanding diplomat and expert on American affairs who served in one of the most demanding areas of Russian foreign policy.

Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova later confirmed that Darchiev had suffered from a chronic illness and was receiving treatment in Moscow after leaving his post in Washington. The Russian Embassy in Washington stated that he passed away suddenly and expressed profound sorrow over the loss of a colleague who devoted his life to defending Russian interests.

Darchiev, born in 1960 in Budapest to a diplomatic family, joined Russia's Foreign Ministry in 1992 after graduating from Moscow State University. He previously served as ambassador to Canada from 2014 to 2021 and held senior roles in the ministry's North America and North Atlantic departments. He was appointed ambassador to Washington in March 2025.

His tenure coincided with a period of thawing relations between the United States and Russia under President Donald Trump, who has pursued bilateral talks with Moscow and reduced aid to Ukraine. Darchiev met with Trump in June and pledged efforts to restore full diplomatic ties.

The U.S. State Department acknowledged the death and offered condolences to Darchiev's family. The Kremlin has not yet issued a public statement. Details of any memorial service have not been released.

This marks another loss in Russia's diplomatic corps, following the death earlier this year of another envoy under unclear circumstances.