Rusian president Vladimir Putin has appointed Alexander Darchiyevas the new ambassador
Ina significant move reflecting a potential thaw in U.S.-Russia relations, Russian President Vladimir Putin has appointed Alexander Darchiyev as the new ambassador to the United States. This appointment comes after a series of diplomatic engagements aimed at mending ties between the two nations.
Darchiyev, 64, is a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in North American affairs. Born in Hungary to a diplomat’s family, he graduated from Moscow State University in 1983, fluent in English and French. He joined the Russian Foreign Ministry in 1992 and has since dedicated his career to North American relations. His previous roles include serving as Russia’s ambassador to Canada from October 2014 to January 2021 and holding senior positions at the Russian embassy in Washington, D.C.
The U.S. formally approved Darchiyev’s appointment during talks in Istanbul on February 27, 2025, where officials from both countries discussed improving bilateral relations. This approval paves the way for Darchiyev to assume his post in Washington, filling a vacancy that has existed since October 2024.
The appointment is part of a broader effort to restore diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Russia. Recent meetings in Istanbul and Riyadh have focused on normalizing embassy operations and improving economic ties strained by Western sanctions. President Putin praised the new U.S. administration’s “pragmatism” and expressed hope for resolving longstanding issues in global security.
However, this rapprochement has raised concerns among European allies and Ukraine, who fear a shift in U.S. policy regarding the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe. President Donald Trump’s decision to initiate bilateral talks with Moscow and pause military aid to Kyiv has been met with apprehension, highlighting the delicate balance in international relations.
As Darchiyev prepares to assume his role in Washington, the international community will be closely monitoring how this appointment influences U.S.-Russia relations and the broader geopolitical landscape.
