Russia's UN envoy Churkin dies aged 64

By Hakan Ceyhan Aydogan

ANKARA (AA) - Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Vitaly Ivanovich Churkin, died on Monday in New York City. He was 64.

According to a statement issued by the Russian FM, Churkin died "suddenly in New York on February 20, a day ahead of his 65th birthday".

"The outstanding Russian diplomat died in harness," the statement said. "We offer sincere condolences to the family of Vitaly Ivanovich Churkin."

A cause has yet to be determined. Churkin has served as UN ambassador since Apr. 8, 2006.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his condolences to the Churkin family, according to the Kremlin. UN member states are also extending messages of sympathy.

"Absolutely devastated to hear that my friend and colleague Vitaly Churkin has died. A diplomatic giant and wonderful character," said U.K.'s UN representative Matthew Rycroft via his Twitter account.