Russian Ambassador to UN, Vitaly Churkin, Dies in New York

Russia's ambassador to the United Nations, Vitaly Churkin, has died in New York, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Monday.

The ministry gave no details on the circumstances of his death but offered condolences to his relatives and said the diplomat had died one day before his 65th birthday.

Shocking news to hear the passing away of Amb Vitaly Churkin. A brilliant ambassador who served his country & people. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/pFodXqs5Qm

— @kamaNY (@kamapradipta) February 20, 2017

Churkin was taken to a Manhattan hospital on Monday after he complained of heart problems, reports the New York Post.

The 64-year-old diplomat has served as Russia’s permanent representative to the UN since 2006.

More details are awaited.

(With inputs from Reuters.)