Former Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoit Found Dead After Dismissal
In a shocking development, Roman Starovoit, Russia’s former Transport Minister, was found dead on Monday, July 7, 2025, in what authorities are calling an apparent suicide. The grim discovery came just hours after President Vladimir Putin officially removed him from his post.
Starovoit, 53, was found with a gunshot wound inside his private car in the Odintsovo district, a suburb of Moscow. Investigators quickly arrived at the scene, and a firearm, reportedly one that had been awarded to him, was found nearby. Russia’s Investigative Committee, the top agency for criminal probes, has stated that suicide is currently the most likely cause of death as they continue their investigation.

Unexpected Dismissal and Underlying Questions
The Kremlin announced Starovoit’s dismissal earlier on Monday through a presidential decree, but no official reason was given for his sudden removal. This lack of explanation has led to widespread speculation about the circumstances surrounding his death and dismissal.
Russian media outlets have pointed to two main possibilities for his firing:
Corruption Allegations: Reports suggest Starovoit’s dismissal could be linked to an ongoing investigation into the embezzlement of state funds. These funds were meant for building fortifications in the Kursk region, where Starovoit served as governor before becoming Transport Minister in May 2024. Interestingly, his successor as Kursk governor was arrested on similar embezzlement charges earlier this year, and some media speculated that Starovoit himself might have faced charges.
Airport Chaos: His departure also followed a weekend of significant travel disruptions at Russian airports, with hundreds of flights cancelled or delayed due to Ukrainian drone attacks. While these disruptions have become more common, some believe they may have contributed to his removal.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on the reasons for Starovoit’s dismissal, only stating that it was “not linked to a loss of trust.” Andrey Nikitin, Starovoit’s deputy, has since been appointed as the acting Transport Minister.
The incident has drawn significant attention, raising questions about the pressures faced by high-ranking officials in Russia.