Ex-Russian Minister Dies by Suicide Hours After Putin Dismissal

On July 7, 2025, Roman Starovoyt, Russia’s recently dismissed transport minister, was found dead from a gunshot wound in his vehicle in Odintsovo, a suburb of Moscow. His death occurred just hours after President Vladimir Putin relieved him of his ministerial duties. Authorities have suggested suicide as the primary cause, noting that a pistol, reportedly awarded to Starovoyt in 2023, was discovered near his body.

Starovoyt’s dismissal and subsequent death have drawn attention due to his previous role as governor of the Kursk region from 2019 to 2024. During his tenure, the region faced significant challenges, including a Ukrainian incursion in 2024 that breached Russian defenses.

Following this event, allegations emerged regarding the misappropriation of funds intended for border fortifications. His successor in Kursk, Alexei Smirnov, was arrested in April 2025 on charges related to embezzlement and reportedly implicated Starovoyt in the investigation.

In the wake of these events, Andrei Nikitin, former governor of Novgorod Oblast and deputy transport minister since February 2025, was appointed acting transport minister. President Putin emphasized Nikitin’s professional qualifications and experience as instrumental in addressing the challenges facing Russia’s transport sector.