Alexander Darchiev, Russia's ambassador to the United States, died suddenly on Wednesday at age 66 in Moscow, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced .
Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Darchiev died from an unspecified chronic illness . The ministry described him as "an outstanding diplomat, experienced leader, good comrade and mentor" and a brilliant scholar of US affairs .
President Vladimir Putin appointed Darchiev to the Washington post in March 2025 to improve relations with the administration of US President Donald Trump . The position had remained vacant since October 2024, when predecessor Anatoly Antonov was relieved of his duties .
Darchiev had worked at the Foreign Ministry since 1992 . He served as ambassador to Canada from 2014 to 2021 and headed the ministry's North America department . In February 2025, he led Russia's delegation at talks with the United States in Istanbul . He was known for sharp condemnations of the West, and in February 2022 called Russia's invasion of Ukraine a "necessary measure" .
Zakharova warned against conspiracy theories surrounding Darchiev's passing, accusing US media outlets of being "particularly active" in that regard . The ministry did not give a date or location for his funeral, saying details of a memorial service would be announced later .
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were scheduled to travel to Moscow on Thursday for talks with Putin . Ukraine, Russia and the United States held trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday and Wednesday .
