MOSCOW, December 26. /TASS/. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on Thursday denied reports alleging that Russia’s new ambassador has already departed for Washington as false claims.

"Don’t believe these bogus stories," the Russian diplomat told TASS, commenting on allegations posted on Telegram channels.

In late November, Russian media outlets reported that Director of the Foreign Ministry’s North America Department Alexander Darchiev may become Russia’s new ambassador to the US, taking over for Anatoly Antonov who returned to Moscow, having been relieved of his duties as envoy by President Vladimir Putin’s decree.