In a shocking turn of events, Roman Starovoit, Russia’s recently sacked Transport Minister, was found dead in his car in the Odintsovo district near Moscow on Monday, just hours after President Vladimir Putin dismissed him from his post. Authorities report that the 49-year-old died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, with a firearm awarded to him in 2023 by the Ministry of Internal Affairs identified at the scene. The Russian Investigative Committee is treating the case as a likely suicide, though a criminal probe remains active to explore all circumstances.
Starovoit’s abrupt dismissal came via a Kremlin decree earlier that day, with no official reason disclosed. The move followed a turbulent period for Russia’s transport sector, marked by widespread flight cancellations and delays at major airports like Moscow’s Sheremetyevo and St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo, triggered by Ukrainian drone attacks. Some Russian media outlets have pointed to another potential factor: an ongoing investigation into the alleged embezzlement of state funds allocated for fortifications in the Kursk region, where Starovoit served as governor before his appointment as Transport Minister in May 2024.
The timing of Starovoit’s death has raised eyebrows, coming amid heightened scrutiny of Russia’s leadership as the war in Ukraine grinds on. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed suggestions that Starovoit’s firing stemmed from a “loss of trust,” but offered no alternative explanation, fueling speculation about the pressures facing high-ranking officials. Hours after the dismissal, Andrei Nikitin, Starovoit’s deputy and a former Novgorod governor, was named acting Transport Minister.
Also Read: Russia Unleashes Massive Drone and Missile Assault on Kyiv
Starovoit’s tenure as governor of Kursk, a region bordering Ukraine, was marked by efforts to bolster defenses against cross-border attacks, but recent reports suggest funds for these projects may have been misappropriated. Whether this played a role in his dismissal or death remains unclear, as authorities have released few details.
The incident underscores the intense strain on Russia’s political elite, with the war and internal challenges casting a long shadow. As the investigation continues, Starovoit’s death is likely to remain a focal point of intrigue and debate in Moscow’s corridors of power.
Also Read: Recent Events Are Pushing World To Very Dangerous Line, says Putin