Russian transport minister, Roman Starovoyt, has reportedly died in an apparent suicide, just hours after being dismissed from his post by President Vladimir Putin.
Starovoyt, who had been transport minister since May 2024, was removed from his position earlier in the day by presidential decree.
According to Russia’s Investigative Committee, the leading criminal investigation agency, the 53-year-old’s body was discovered in his car with a gunshot wound just hours after his dismissal.
Svetlana Petrenko, a spokesperson for the committee, stated that a criminal investigation has been initiated into Starovoyt’s death, with suicide being considered the most likely cause.
Russian media outlets have suggested that Starovoyt’s dismissal might be related to an ongoing investigation into the alleged embezzlement of state funds earmarked for the construction of fortifications in the Kursk region, where he previously served as governor before his appointment as transport minister.
This alleged embezzlement is reportedly being examined as a potential factor contributing to weaknesses in Russia’s defensive lines, which were breached during a Ukrainian incursion in the region in August 2024.
Alexei Smirnov, Starovoyt’s successor as Kursk governor, resigned in December and was subsequently arrested on embezzlement charges in April.
Some Russian media reports have speculated that Starovoyt himself could have faced charges as part of the same investigation.
Starovoyt’s dismissal also coincided with a weekend of widespread travel disruptions as Ukrainian drone attacks forced Russian airports to ground numerous flights.
The official decree relieving Starovoyt of his duties was published on the Kremlin’s website on Monday morning, but did not provide a reason for the decision.
Shortly before news of Starovoyt’s death emerged, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the reasons behind his dismissal.
Peskov did offer praise for Andrei Nikitin, Starovoyt’s replacement, who was appointed deputy transport minister five months prior.
