US approves Russia’s new ambassador, ending long-vacant post

The United States has officially approved the appointment of Alexander Darchiev as Russia's new ambassador, filling a diplomatic vacancy that has persisted for several months in Washington.

"The American side has issued an official note granting agrément for the appointment of Alexander Darchiev, director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s North American Department, as the new Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the United States," the Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed in a statement, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

This development comes amid a sudden shift in US-Russia relations following the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Darchiev’s appointment had been in the works since October 2024, following the return of his predecessor, Anatoly Antonov, to Moscow. The formal approval was finalized after Darchiev led Russia’s delegation during a six-hour round of negotiations with US diplomats in Istanbul on February 27, culminating in Washington's endorsement of his posting.

A seasoned diplomat, Darchiev previously served at Russia's Embassy in Washington during the late 2000s before taking on various roles within the Russian Foreign Ministry. He later spent six years as Russia's ambassador to Canada and has headed the ministry's North American Department for the past four years.

Darchiev is considered a protégée of Yury Ushakov, a senior aide to President Vladimir Putin. Boris Bondarev, a former Russian diplomat who resigned in protest over the invasion of Ukraine, shared with The Moscow Times that Ushakov was part of Moscow’s delegation during recent U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia.

Typically, Moscow appoints a deputy foreign minister to the top diplomatic post in Washington, a reflection of the strategic importance of US-Russia relations. However, in this instance, the Kremlin has selected a lower-ranking official, which some view as indicative of the current state of bilateral ties.

Darchiev, a diplomat with a deep focus on US and Canadian affairs, has built his career in the North American portfolio. Alexander Gabuev, head of the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center in Berlin, described him as a pragmatic professional who is adept at both diplomatic charm and hardline tactics when required.

By Vafa Guliyeva