By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – The Russian ambassador to the US Alexander N Darchiev, on Thursday has died “suddenly” in Moscow of an unspecified “chronic illness”.

The “sudden” demise of Darchiev on Wednesday was announced by the Foreign Ministry.

He was Russia’s ambassador to the United States. He died on Wednesday at 66. He joined the Foreign Service in 1992.

Russian Embassy in the US in a long post on X said: “The staff of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in the United States of America announces with profound sorrow that Alexander Nikitich Darchiev, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the United States of America, passed away on November 11.”

“Alexander Nikitich devoted his entire life to the steadfast defense of Russian interests in North American affairs and to the building of equitable relations with the United States. What distinguished Alexander Nikitich was his trust in those who served under him and his deep respect for people. He always sought to unite the team and foster a working climate in which one could feel the firm shoulder of a senior, more experienced colleague – someone to lean on when the need arose. Warmth, kindness of spirit, and sincerity defined him and shaped the atmosphere around him. We extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Alexander Nikitich. His bright memory will remain forever in our hearts.”

He was Russia’s ambassador to the United States. He died on Wednesday at 66.

Nikitich joined the foreign service in 1992. He service belonged to the post-Soviet era. He had been Russia’s ambassador to Canada.

He was an expert in North American affairs, leading to his appointment as ambassador to the US in 2025.

He led the Russian side in talks with the United States on the Ukraine war in Istanbul last year.

Darchiev’s death has reminded of a previous but similar “sudden” death of a top Russian diplomat in 2017.

Moscow’s longest serving envoy to the UN Vitaly Churkin, had died suddenly in 2017 in New York.

He was 64 when he died and had represented Russia on the UN Security Council since 2006.