WASHINGTON, November 13. /TASS/. Russian Ambassador to Washington Alexander Darchiev made every effort to overcome differences between Russia and the United States, Honorary Chairman of the Board of Governors of the US branch of the International Sister Cities Association Bill Boerum told TASS.

"My impression is that he worked hard to resolve the differences between our countries," Boerum said.

He said that even before his appointment as ambassador, Darchiev took part in the Russian-US consultations in Istanbul in 2025, and assumed the post with profound knowledge of the United States and North America in general.

"He will be hard to replace," Boerum added.

He expressed condolences to embassy staffers and all Russians.

The Russian foreign ministry’s official spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, said on November 11 that Darchiev had passed away suddenly at the age of 66. An unspecified chronic illness was said to be the cause of his death. The date and venue of his funeral will be announced later.