The New York Post quoted unnamed sources as saying Churkin had been rushed to a Manhattan hospital from the Russian embassy after falling ill with a cardiac condition.
Tass news agency quoted Churkin’s deputy Pyotr Ilyichev as saying: “The loss sustained by Russia is grave and irreplaceable.
“Ambassador Churkin remained at his work post until the last minute. He devoted his whole life to defending the interests of Russia and was to be found on the very front lines and in the most stressful posts.”
Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Facebook: “Great diplomat. Extraordinary personality. Colourful man.”
