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Russian Ambassador to US Alexander Darchiev dies suddenly at 66
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Russia’s Ambassador to the United States Alexander Darchiev, 66, died suddenly Wednesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced.
«The leadership and staff of the Russian Foreign Ministry report with deep sorrow that on Nov. 11, at the age of 66, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the United States of America, Alexander Nikitich Darchiev, passed away suddenly,» Russia’s statement, as translated to English, said. «A distinguished diplomat, experienced leader, kind colleague, and mentor has departed this life. A consummate professional and brilliant Americanist, A.N. Darchiev served on one of the most critical and demanding fronts of Russian foreign policy.»
«We express our deepest and most sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Alexander Nikitich Darchiev,» the statement added. «The cherished memory of our untimely departed colleague will forever remain in our hearts.»
Fox News confirmed the death came in Russia and not the U.S.
MELANIA TRUMP HAILS OLESHKY CEASEFIRE AS POTENTIAL ‘SPARK’ FOR PROGRESS AMID UKRAINE-RUSSIA WAR
Alexander Darchiyev, head of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s North America Department and a candidate for the position of ambassador to the United States, poses for a picture before a session of the Federation Council’s committee on foreign affairs in Moscow, Russia, on Nov. 25, 2024. (Kommersant Photo/Dmitry Dukhanin via Reuters)
Russia’s Vladimir Putin appointed Darchiev, a veteran diplomat known in the past for his public denunciations of the West, as ambassador to Washington in March 2025 to lead a rapprochement with the Trump administration that has rattled Ukraine, the European Union and NATO.
His death comes less than a week after a White House news conference hailing a temporary ceasefire in Ukrainian territory occupied by Russia.
First lady Melania Trump and envoys from both Russia and Ukraine hailed the ceasefire in the Oleshky region.
«We have chosen humanity over war,» the first lady said. «Undeniably, the lives of innocent people must transcend the division of war. I hope Oleshky inspires greater peace. Every significant transformation begins with a small spark.»
KUSHNER ENTERS UKRAINE PEACE TALKS AS TRUMP EYES SECURING SAFEGUARDS AGAINST ANOTHER RUSSIAN INVASION
Shortly after being tapped as ambassador, Darchiev met with Trump administration officials and delivered a message of hope for peace.
«Russia and the United States are destined, as great powers, to have non-confrontational peaceful existence,» Darchiev said during a June 10, 2025, Russia Day reception at the Russian Embassy in Washington after delivering his credentials to the White House, adding, «our discussion was very constructive.»
Before taking the helm of the Russian Embassy in Washington, Darchiev played a role as the Kremlin’s point man for high-stakes bilateral negotiations, most notably during the delicate discussions that led to prisoner swaps involving imprisoned arms dealer Viktor Bout and detained Americans Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan.
EVAN GERSHKOVICH DETAILS RUSSIAN ARREST, REVEALS MOMENT THAT NEARLY BROKE HIM DURING WRONGFUL DETENTION
In August 2022, while serving as the director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s North American Department, Darchiev provided the first on-the-record Russian confirmation that Moscow and Washington were actively discussing those situations.
«This quite sensitive issue of the swap of convicted Russian and U.S. citizens is being pursued along the channels designated by our presidents,» Darchiev told the Russian state news agency TASS. «The individuals are, indeed, being discussed. The Russian side has long been seeking the release of Viktor Bout. The negotiations are bearing fruit.»
An empty table for the Russian Ambassador to the United States Alexander Darchiev is visible during a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on «The Abduction of Ukrainian Children by the Russian Federation» on Capitol Hill on December 3, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
His comments marked a breakthrough moment in months of backchannel diplomacy, which ultimately culminated in December 2022 when the U.S. and Russia completed a one-for-one swap of Griner for Bout at an airport in Abu Dhabi.
Fox News’ Gillian Turner, The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
russia, foreign affairs, foreign policy, donald trump, vladimir putin, world, politics
INTERNACIONAL
Fiery chaos erupts across Spain as protesters clash with police during massive nationwide strike
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Unruly protesters set fires, smashed storefronts and launched fireworks at riot police across parts of Spain on Wednesday as a massive nationwide strike over soaring housing costs disrupted transportation and businesses.
Violent scenes unfolded in Barcelona, where some demonstrators vandalized stores along the city’s popular Paseo de Gracia shopping boulevard, set small bonfires and launched fireworks at officers arriving in riot gear and armored vehicles, according to The Associated Press.
The violence erupted after a largely peaceful march as Spain experienced its first general strike in 14 years, with workers demanding relief from skyrocketing rents and the rising cost of living.
TRAVELERS MAY FACE MAJOR DISRUPTIONS AS STRIKES THREATEN AIRPORTS AND POPULAR ATTRACTIONS
A protestor holds up a poster as objects burn in the background during a demonstration over the housing crisis Wednesday in Barcelona, Spain. (David Ramos/Getty Images)
Housing activists claimed 400,000 people marched through Barcelona, while city officials estimated attendance at 55,000. Government officials reported another 120,000 demonstrators gathered in Madrid despite heavy rain, the AP reported.
The nationwide walkout disrupted public transportation, forced some businesses to close and blocked major roads. Police made arrests across the country, while officers used pepper spray against demonstrators in Madrid, according to the AP.
ANGRY LOCALS BLOCK FAMOUS BEACH AS MASS TOURISM PROTESTS ESCALATE AT VACATION HOT SPOT
Rioters burn trash cans Wednesday in Spain during a nationwide general strike over the country’s housing crisis, with workers also demanding greater purchasing power ahead of a snap general election at the end of the month, near Catalunya square in Barcelona. (Josep Lago/AFP via Getty Images)
The unrest comes amid growing frustration over Spain’s housing crisis, fueled in part by the eviction of an 87-year-old Madrid woman who had lived in her apartment for seven decades before reportedly facing a tripling of her rent. She died weeks later, according to the BBC.
The housing crisis has become a major political flashpoint ahead of Spain’s Nov. 29 parliamentary elections, with Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez reportedly encouraging workers to exercise their right to strike.
SPANISH OPPOSITION LEADER CALLS PRIME MINISTER A ‘TRAITOR’ OVER CEUTA MIGRANT CRISIS
Rioters light fires and throw objects during unrest Wednesday over the housing crisis in Barcelona, Spain. (David Ramos/Getty Images)
But the demonstrations have also sparked a political clash, with conservative opposition leaders accusing Sánchez’s government of exploiting the unrest for electoral gain, according to the BBC.
Meanwhile, Spain’s largest labor unions declared the ongoing strike a success despite business groups disputing claims of widespread participation.
spain, world protests, housing, politics, economy, europe, world
INTERNACIONAL
Stephen Miller’s internal memo unleashes Trump agencies after ‘absolute control’ under Wiles’ reign
EXCLUSIVE: A memo describing the new White House hierarchy under chief of staff Stephen Miller circulated within the Trump administration this week, and details how Cabinet secretaries will now have more control over their own messaging.
This is a shift from what insiders say was administration-wide communications control implemented by former chief of staff Susie Wiles during the first nearly two years of President Donald Trump’s second term.
«This will streamline the Cabinet, making it a more effective instrument for the President, whereas previously it was too constrained,» a source familiar with the message told Digital.
The memo was sent by Miller’s office after he took over the role on Monday. It was titled as a memo on administrative matters and personnel changes, the source said.
THE STONING OF STEPHEN MILLER, NOW RUNNING THE TRUMP WHITE HOUSE
«The White House position of Cabinet Secretary will be changed to the role of Director of Cabinet Relations, focused on providing support and reinforcement of President Trump’s tremendous Cabinet Secretaries,» details the memo, which Digital viewed.
«Each cabinet leader serves as the best leader and communicator for their individual Departments, and this new position will ensure our Cabinet is resourced and bolstered by the White House to deliver swift, critical, and lasting wins for the American people,» the memo continues.
Another source who is familiar with day-to-day administration operations believes the memo signals a shift in communications policy, giving different agencies the ability to control their own messaging now that Miller has become chief of staff.
The source said that previously, they believe Wiles had a chokehold on nearly all the administration’s communications, and that there were «a lot of prescriptive directives» from Wiles’ camp.
«I mean, to me, it reflects well on Miller and his team and I think it’s really smart to be making these moves quite clear, to be communicating clearly and effectively, you know?» the source said, speaking of the policy shake-up described in the memo.
The source added that the policy change is «unleashing the Cabinet to be the captains of their own ship.»
«It’s more [of] a recognition that you can’t possibly effectively micromanage this wide of an organization and that sometimes it might be better to trust and invest in a support system that elevates the people who are closest to the issues,» the source said.
TRUMP’S NEW PRESS SECRETARY FACES FIRST MAJOR TEST AS WHITE HOUSE BRIEFING ROOM ENTERS NEW ERA
WHITE HOUSE THREATENS POLITICO WITH ‘CONSEQUENCES’ IF IT DOESN’T RETRACT SUSIE WILES REPORTING
A former Trump administration official had much more direct criticism of Wiles’ management style.
«She wants complete authority,» the source said.
«The control doesn’t come from, ‘hey, you have to do this.’ The control comes from threat of duress. Like, ‘if you don’t do this, I’m going to destroy you in the media,’» they continued. «The thing is, she has been very clear. ‘I can’t control [Trump]. I can control everything else.’»
The source accused Wiles of approaching Cabinet secretaries and warning them that if they said anything off script in the media, that midterm GOP election losses would be blamed on them.
TRUMP CLOSING IN ON NEW PRESS SECRETARY AS ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS PUSH FOR PICK WHO COULD BREAK THE MOLD
«It’s absolute control,» the source said.
The memo also highlights some hierarchical changes within the administration, saying the director of presidential scheduling and the Office of Presidential Scheduling will report directly to Chamberlain Harris, the deputy director of outer oval operations.
It also confirms previous reporting that Caleb Orr, formerly the assistant secretary of state for economic and business affairs, will become the chief of staff for policy.
«The White House will run a clear and regular policy process through the Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy and the National Security Advisor, with clearly defined responsibilities and assignments and no overlapping policy portfolios,» the memo says.
Wiles did not return Digital’s request for comment by time of publication.
politics, white house, donald trump, cabinet, executive policy, administration
INTERNACIONAL
El presidente Bernardo Arévalo supervisa en Santa Rosa obras viales, educativas y sanitarias por más de USD 7,1 millones
El presidente de Guatemala, Bernardo Arévalo, recorrió Santa Rosa para supervisar obras educativas, viales y sanitarias, entre ellas dos tramos carreteros con una inversión superior a USD 7,1 millones. La jornada incluyó una escuela preprimaria en Pueblo Nuevo Viñas y proyectos de conexión regional en Nueva Santa Rosa.
La red vial atendida por los proyectos en marcha supera los 100 kilómetros, mientras otros 69 kilómetros se encuentran en fase de formulación. Las obras abarcan rutas que comunican municipios rurales, zonas de producción agrícola y comunidades del pueblo Xinca.
La ampliación educativa y sanitaria en el departamento
La primera visita se realizó en la escuela preprimaria de Pueblo Nuevo Viñas, donde Arévalo fue recibido por la directora María José Aya Veliz y el alcalde Cristian Josué Blanco Fajardo. El centro cuenta con una rampa de acceso para niños con discapacidad, y durante el recorrido se abordó el plan de remozamiento de establecimientos educativos del departamento.
En Santa Rosa se ejecutaron 37 proyectos mediante el Consejo Departamental de Desarrollo durante los últimos tres años y hay otros 20 previstos para 2027. En el ciclo de cobertura educativa del Ministerio de Educación se abrieron 17 centros el año pasado: siete de ciclo básico y once de diversificado; para el próximo período se proyectan 22 establecimientos adicionales, 11 de básico y 11 de diversificado.
El municipio de Pueblo Nuevo Viñas duplicó su presupuesto de inversión entre 2023 y 2024, al pasar de 12 a 25 millones de quetzales procedentes de fondos ordinarios y extraordinarios. Los recursos se destinaron a carreteras, escuelas, agua potable y saneamiento, mientras la municipalidad prevé construir una nueva sede y un estadio con fondos propios.
Arévalo afirmó ante la comunidad educativa que la obra pública forma parte de las obligaciones estatales. “Cuando un gobierno gobierna con honestidad y entrega obra, no le está haciendo un favor a la gente, está cumpliendo con su deber”, sostuvo.
El mandatario informó que fueron remozadas 805 escuelas en Santa Rosa. A escala nacional, indicó que 30.000 de las 34.000 escuelas del país ya recibieron intervenciones.
El municipio también contará con una farmacia Proam bajo un esquema en el que la municipalidad aporta el local y el Gobierno central provee medicamentos y personal. Los precios de los productos pueden ser hasta cinco veces menores que los del mercado comercial.
La infraestructura sanitaria construida durante los tres años de la actual administración alcanzó 7.023 metros cuadrados en Santa Rosa. La superficie supera la suma de los 1.023 metros cuadrados edificados durante los cuatro años de Jimmy Morales y los 2.143 metros cuadrados correspondientes a los cuatro años de Alejandro Giammattei.
Los caminos que conectarán cinco municipios
En Nueva Santa Rosa comenzó la supervisión del tramo carretero Trapiche-Ojo de Agua, una obra que conectará Barberena, Cuilapa, Santa Cruz Naranjo, Santa Rosa de Lima y Nueva Santa Rosa. El alcalde Enrique Arredondo señaló que la gestión del proyecto demandó ocho años y atravesó cambios de gobierno antes de su concreción.
La carretera hacia Cacalotepeque, que enlaza comunidades del pueblo Xinca, ya cuenta con adjudicación aprobada. La ministra de Comunicaciones, Infraestructura y Vivienda, Norma Zea, informó al alcalde sobre la autorización antes del acto público.
Sergio Arroyo, representante del Consejo Comunitario de Desarrollo de Ojo de Agua, indicó que la nueva vía facilitará el traslado de cosechas, el acceso a servicios de salud y la circulación de comerciantes y transportistas procedentes de distintos departamentos.
Zea detalló que el Fondo Social mantiene 15 proyectos de pavimentación en revisión para iniciar en 2027. La Dirección General de Caminos ya concluyó la rehabilitación de la ruta CA1 Oriente, entre el desvío de Pueblo Viñas y Barberena, y ejecuta obras en los tramos Molino-Oratorio-Valle Nuevo y Hawái-Chapetón.
La Unidad Constructora de Edificios del Estado mantiene 13 proyectos en ejecución, entre remozamientos de puestos de salud y escuelas. También distribuyó más de 6.300 piezas de mobiliario escolar en 112 centros educativos de 10 municipios.
Arévalo anunció además un Instituto Regional de Excelencia en Cuilapa, destinado a brindar educación técnica a estudiantes destacados de Santa Rosa. El establecimiento será uno de seis a ocho institutos proyectados para todo el país y su construcción comenzará antes de que termine el año.
Guatemala,Bernardo Arévalo,Santa Rosa,Ministerio de Comunicaciones,obras públicas
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