US President Donald Trump was saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Vitaly Churkin, the White House press service said.
"An accomplished diplomat, Ambassador Churkin worked alongside his US counterparts in New York for more than a decade. While American officials sometimes disagreed with their Russian counterparts, Ambassador Churkin played a crucial role in working with the United States on a number of key issues to advance global security. The President offers the condolences of the American people to the Russian people and government," the press service said.
Vitaly Churkin died in New York on February 20, a day before his 65th birthday.
