Moscow: Russian minister has found dead just hours after being dismissed by President Vladimir Putin, according to the Investigative Committee of Russia.
Former transport minister Roman Starovoit was reportedly found with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, though authorities have not confirmed further details. Starovoit had only served as Russia’s transport minister since May 2024. Before that, Starovoit governed the Kursk region for nearly six years.
No official reason was given for Starovoit’s dismissal. Starovoit’s deputy, Andrei Nikitin, has already been named as his replacement. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Putin’s decree did not cite a ‘loss of trust’ in Starovoit, adding that no such wording had been used.
Russian minister found dead comes as Russian media outlet reported that Starovoit was about to be charged in a corruption investigation. The case relates to allegations that money meant for building border fortifications in Kursk was embezzled. Starovoit’s immediate successor as Kursk governor, Aleksey Smirnov, was arrested in April for embezzlement linked to the same project.
Andrei Kartapolov, head of the State Duma Defence Committee, stated that Starovoit’s death may have occurred some time before the official announcement. The Investigative Committee noted that it is working to determine exactly when and how Starovoit died.
It remains unclear whether Starovoit’s reported suicide is linked to the corruption allegations or the fallout from Ukraine’s incursions. Starovoit’s death adds another layer to the ongoing scrutiny over Russia’s border security and internal oversight during the prolonged conflict with Ukraine. Authorities are expected to release more details as the investigation into why the Russian minister found dead continues.
RELATED POST | Putin dismisses transport minister after airport chaos
