Former Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoit Found Dead After Sudden Dismissal by President Putin

In a shocking development from Russia, former Transport Minister Roman Starovoit has been found dead under mysterious circumstances, shortly after being dismissed from his post by President Vladimir Putin. The Russian Investigative Committee has reported that initial findings suggest a self-inflicted gunshot wound as the cause of death, although investigations are ongoing to confirm the exact details surrounding the incident.

The announcement came hours after the Kremlin’s official decree removing Starovoit from his position without offering a public explanation. Deputy Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin was swiftly named as his replacement, fueling speculation about internal government tensions.

Starovoit, who assumed the role of transport minister in May 2024, previously served for nearly six years as the governor of the Kursk region. His tenure as governor was marked by significant challenges, particularly during August 2024 when Ukrainian forces made a surprise incursion into parts of the region amid ongoing military conflict between the two nations. Although Russian forces reclaimed the majority of the territory, Ukrainian troops reportedly maintained control of a small border area into late June 2025.

Adding to the intrigue, it was reported that Starovoit’s successor in the Kursk region, Aleksey Smirnov, faced legal troubles of his own. Smirnov was arrested earlier this year on embezzlement charges related to defense infrastructure projects intended to fortify Russia’s border with Ukraine. Notably, Russian media outlets, including Kommersant, suggested that Starovoit was also facing imminent legal action in connection with the same corruption case.

While the exact time of Starovoit’s death remains uncertain, Andrei Kartapolov, head of the State Duma Defense Committee, stated in a media briefing that the minister may have died “some time ago.” This raises further questions about the timing of the official announcement and whether authorities withheld information in the immediate aftermath.

Before news of the minister’s death emerged, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov was asked during a press conference if Starovoit’s dismissal reflected a loss of confidence from President Putin, especially regarding the mishandling of the Kursk region during the military crisis. Peskov refrained from confirming such speculation, stating, “A loss of trust is officially mentioned when there is a loss of trust. No such wording was used in this case.”

As the investigation continues, Starovoit’s sudden demise adds to a growing list of high-profile incidents involving Russian officials under scrutiny for either political or financial misconduct. The situation underscores the ongoing internal power struggles and the intense pressure within the Kremlin’s ranks amidst the protracted conflict with Ukraine.