Russian Ambassador to the United States Alexander Darchiev died suddenly on Wednesday at the age of 66, the Foreign Ministry reported.

"The leadership and staff of the Russian Foreign Ministry announce with deep sorrow that Alexander Darchiev, Russian Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the US, passed away suddenly on November 11 at the age of 66," the ministry said in a statement, The Caspian Post reports.

According to the diplomatic service, Darchiev was "an outstanding diplomat, an experienced leader, a kind friend, and a mentor." "A consummate professional and a brilliant expert on American affairs, Alexander Darchiev worked in one of the most critical areas of Russian foreign policy," the ministry emphasized.

Russian diplomats expressed their deepest and most sincere condolences to the ambassador’s family and loved ones. "The fond memory of our colleague, who left us too soon, will remain in our hearts forever," they added.