Yuri Gryadunov

Yuri Stepanovich Gryadunov (; 2 December 1929 – 8 May 2020) was a Soviet and Russian diplomat. He served in various diplomatic roles from the 1950s onwards, specialising in the Middle Eastern region, ending his career as Ambassador of Russia to Jordan.

Career Gryadunov was born on 2 December 1929 in the village of Sladkoye, in Krutinsky District, Omsk Oblast, then part of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, in the Soviet Union. After completing his schooling in 1948, he enrolled in the Moscow Institute of Oriental Studies, graduating in 1953, and joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Over his career Gryadunov received a number of awards, including the Order of the Badge of Honour, the Order of Friendship of Peoples, the Order of the Red Banner of Labour, and the Medal "For Labour Valour".

Gryadunov died on 8 May 2020. The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced his death, describing him as "highly professional" and noting that he "enjoyed great respect among colleagues."