#InMemoryOfDiplomats ▪️ The leadership of the Russian Foreign Ministry and its Department of the North Atlantic are deeply saddened to report the sudden passing of Alexander DARCHIEV (1960-2026), Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the United States of America and Permanent Observer of the Russian Federation to the Organization of American States in Washington, D.C. He passed away on November 11, 2026, at the age of 66. We have lost a man of wisdom and depth, an outstanding diplomat, historian and scholar of American affairs who devoted his entire life and career to the service of his country. Ambassador Darchiev had a keen and perceptive mind. Those who worked with him knew him for his exceptional professionalism and talent, his deep commitment to his country’s interests, his unwavering principles and his ability to work shoulder to shoulder with his colleagues. Alexander Darchiev had an exceptional knowledge and understanding of the countries of North America, where he worked tirelessly throughout his diplomatic career. Moscow consistently sought his views on developments across the continent. His sound judgement and carefully considered assessments earned him a reputation as one of Russia’s foremost experts on American affairs. His natural refinement, subtle sense of humour and personal charm went hand in hand with a quiet determination. These qualities enabled him, even at the most delicate moments in Russia’s relations with the United States and Canada, to carry out some of the most demanding tasks his country entrusted to him. Ambassador Darchiev held a range of posts at the Ministry’s headquarters and abroad. He spent much of his career in senior positions at the Russian embassies in Washington and Ottawa. He joined the diplomatic service in 1992 after working at the Institute for US and Canadian Studies of the USSR Academy of Sciences, where he defended his dissertation and earned the degree of Candidate of Historical Sciences. From 2005 to 2010, he served as Minister-Counsellor at the Russian Embassy in the United States. He headed the Foreign Ministry’s North America Department from 2010 to 2014 and served as Russia’s Ambassador to Canada from 2014 to 2020. He again headed the North America Department from 2021 to 2024 and then led the North Atlantic Department from 2024 to 2025. From March 2025, he served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the United States of America and concurrently as Russia’s Permanent Observer to the Organization of American States in Washington, D.C. His many state and ministerial honours included the Order of Friendship and the Order of Honour, certificates of honour from the President of the Russian Federation and the Russian Foreign Ministry, the Medal for Strengthening Military Cooperation and the Foreign Ministry’s Badge of Distinction. 🕯 We mourn the untimely loss of our mentor and friend. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones. We will always remember Alexander Darchiev with warmth and affection. His professionalism and vibrant personality will remain with us forever.