Russian ambassador to the U.S. Alexander Darchiev dead at 66

Alexander Darchiev, Russia’s ambassador to the United States, has died suddenly, according to the Russian Foreign Ministry. He was 66.

Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Darchiev died on Wednesday. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Darchiev had left the Russian Embassy in Washington and returned to Moscow, where he was being treated for a long-term illness, a source familiar with the matter told CNN.

Darchiev had served as ambassador to the United States since March 2025. He previously headed the Russian Foreign Ministry’s North Atlantic Department and served as Russia’s ambassador to Canada from 2014 to 2021, according to the Russian Embassy.

“We have lost an outstanding diplomat, an experienced leader, a dear colleague and a mentor,” the ministry said in a statement.

A U.S. State Department spokesperson told CNN the department was aware of Darchiev’s death and offered condolences to his family and loved ones.