Russia has appointed seasoned diplomat Alexander Darchiev as its new ambassador to the United States. The position had remained vacant since last year, reflecting the deep diplomatic rift between Washington and Moscow.
Darchiev’s appointment comes at a time when U.S.-Russia relations have been at historic lows, particularly following Russia’s offensive in Ukraine in 2022.
The diplomatic vacuum was created when President Vladimir Putin recalled former envoy Anatoly Antonov in October 2023 without naming a replacement. However, the latest development signals a tentative effort to rebuild diplomatic communication between the two nations.
The Russian foreign ministry confirmed the appointment, stating that the U.S. officially handed over a note of agreement on Darchiev’s designation. The ministry further noted that Darchiev is expected to assume his post in Washington in the near future.
Darchiev is a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in Russian foreign affairs. Having served in various diplomatic roles since 1992, he was most recently the director of the Russian foreign ministry’s North American department.
His new role in Washington will be critical in navigating the complex and often contentious relationship between the two global powers.
The announcement of Darchiev’s appointment follows high-level talks held in Istanbul on Thursday, where U.S. and Russian officials discussed unresolved diplomatic matters. These discussions come after a series of mutual embassy staff expulsions under the administration of President Joe Biden.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump had previously expressed a desire to mend ties with Moscow, having reached out to President Putin to initiate dialogue at various points during his tenure. However, relations remained rocky amid geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflicts.
While Darchiev’s appointment does not guarantee an immediate improvement in relations, it represents a critical step toward re-establishing diplomatic engagement. His role will likely focus on mitigating tensions, fostering dialogue, and addressing ongoing disputes between the two nations.