Russia’s recently dismissed transport minister, Roman Starovoit, was found dead with a gunshot wound near his car outside Moscow, in what investigators primarily suspect to be a suicide. His death occurred just hours after President Vladimir Putin removed him from office through a decree that offered no explanation.
Starovoit, 53, who had served less than a year as transport minister following nearly five years as governor of the Kursk region, was reportedly under scrutiny due to an ongoing corruption investigation. Political analysts quickly linked his sudden dismissal to probes into whether 19.4 billion roubles ($246 million), allocated in 2022 for strengthening Kursk’s border with Ukraine, had been misused or embezzled. A source in the transport industry, speaking anonymously, confirmed Starovoit’s position had been in jeopardy for months over these allegations.
Russia’s Investigative Committee announced it is working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding Starovoit’s death. Russian media, citing law enforcement sources, reported that his pistol was found nearby and his body, bearing a gunshot wound to the head, was discovered in bushes near his Tesla, parked close to his residence in the Moscow region.
Adding to the intrigue, Starovoit’s successor as Kursk governor, Alexei Smirnov, was recently charged with embezzlement related to the same border defence funds. Media reports suggest Smirnov implicated Starovoit in the fraud.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin has named Andrei Nikitin, former governor of Novgorod, as acting transport minister. In photos released Monday, Putin was seen meeting Nikitin, who spoke of plans to digitise the transport sector to ease cargo flows. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Nikitin’s experience made him suitable for the role.
The transport ministry declined comment as Russia’s transport and aviation sectors continue to grapple with war-related challenges, including sanctions, spare parts shortages, and drone disruptions.
