Vitaly Churkin, Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN, Passes Away

On Monday, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced without providing further details that Vitaly Churkin, the country's permanent representative to the United Nations, has passed away while on duty. According to a report by Reuters, the Russian Foreign Ministry did not mention details regarding Mr. Churkin's condition or the reasons for his death, and expressed condolences to his survivors, noting that his passing occurred one day before his 65th birthday. Meanwhile, the Associated Press quoted Vladimir Safronkov, Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN, stating that Mr. Churkin was transferred to Columbia Hospital after feeling unwell in his office and passed away there. Shortly after the announcement of Mr. Churkin's death, Nikki Haley, the U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN, described the Russian diplomat as a 'kind collaborator' who skillfully represented his country at the UN. Ms. Haley, who has held the U.S. position at the UN for nearly a month, noted that while she did not agree with Mr. Churkin on all issues, he undoubtedly represented his country skillfully. Samantha Power, a former U.S. representative to the UN, also described Mr. Churkin as a master of diplomacy in a Twitter message. Representatives from the UK and France also praised Mr. Churkin's character and performance in response to his passing. Mr. Churkin served as Russia's permanent ambassador to the UN for over a decade since 2006 and had previously played a significant role as a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry.