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Moscow: On 7 July 2025 Russia’s former Transport Minister Roman Starovoit was found dead from a gunshot wound in his Tesla near Odintsovo, a suburb west of Moscow, just hours after his dismissal by President Vladimir Putin. Authorities say the preliminary cause of death is suicide, though investigations are ongoing.
🗳️ Sudden Dismissal and Unclear Timing
The Kremlin issued a decree earlier Monday relieving Starovoit of his duties without explanation. Conflicting reports suggest his death may have occurred prior to the official announcement, with State Duma Defense Committee Chair Andrei Kartapolov stating it happened “quite some time ago”.
A pistol registered to Starovoit was found near his body, and some outlets report it may have been an honorary weapon.
🏛️ Political and Legal Turmoil
Starovoit, 53, served as governor of Kursk Oblast for nearly five years before becoming transport minister in May 2024. His tenure coincided with a major Ukrainian incursion into Kursk, the largest foreign penetration into Russian territory since World War II.
His dismissal comes amid a corruption investigation into the alleged embezzlement of 19.4 billion roubles (€210 million) earmarked for border fortifications in Kursk. His successor, Alexei Smirnov, was arrested in April, and Russian media report Smirnov implicated Starovoit in the fraud.
✈️ Transport Sector Under Strain
Starovoit’s exit follows a weekend of massive flight disruptions across Russia due to Ukrainian drone attacks, with nearly 500 flights grounded between 5–6 July. The crisis was compounded by an ammonia leak at the Ust-Luga port after an explosion aboard the Eco Wizard tanker.
Despite speculation, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied that Starovoit’s dismissal was due to a “loss of trust,” and emphasized that no such language appeared in the official decree.
🔄 Leadership Transition
Following Starovoit’s removal, Andrei Nikitin, former governor of Novgorod, was appointed acting transport minister. He met with Putin shortly after the announcement to discuss digitization and infrastructure priorities.
