Ilyichev replaces Churkin as Russia’s U.N. representative

Feb. 24 (UPI) — Pyotr Ilyichev will head Russia’s United Nations diplomatic mission following the death of Vitaly Churkin, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced Friday.

Churkin, 64, had been Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations since 2006. He became ill with heart problems and died suddenly in New York on Feb. 20.

Ilyichev, the former first deputy, is now the acting permanent representative to the United Nations until the appointment of a new permanent representative, a ministry spokesman said.

The U.N. Security Council, of which Russia is one of five permanent members, observed a moment of silence Tuesday in Churkin’s honor. The U.N. General Assembly will schedule a special meeting to pay tribute to him. Churkin’s body was returned to Moscow, where a farewell ceremony will be conducted Friday.