Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoit Found Dead Just Hours After Dismissal by Putin

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This story contains references to suicide.

Russia’s transport minister was discovered deceased in his car near Moscow with a gunshot wound, just hours following his dismissal by President Vladimir Putin.

A presidential order released earlier on Monday did not specify the reason for Roman Starovoit’s removal after serving barely a year in the position.

Political analysts quickly considered the possibility that his dismissal might be linked to an investigation into corruption in the region he previously oversaw.

Reuters could not independently verify these claims, though a source within the transport industry, who wished to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the issue, indicated that Starovoit’s role had been under scrutiny for months owing to the same corruption scandal, which involved funds intended for strengthening Russia’s border with Ukraine in the Kursk region.

Reports varied regarding the timeline of Starovoit’s death. The leading theory is that he ended his own life, according to state investigators on Monday.

People standing near a black car outside, peering into it. A security officer is standing behind a line of tape.

Roman Starovoit was found dead in his car outside Moscow with a gunshot wound. Source: AAP / Kommersant Photo / Evgeniy Razumniy

Russia’s investigative committee, which probes major crimes, said it was working to establish the precise circumstances.

Various Russian media cited law enforcement sources as saying a pistol belonging to Starovoit had been found alongside his body in his car.

Before being appointed transport minister in May 2024, Starovoit had been the governor of the Kursk region for nearly five years.

Three months after he became transport minister, Ukrainian troops crossed the border into Kursk in the biggest foreign incursion into Russian territory since World War Two and were only pushed out earlier this year after fighting and widespread destruction.

In April this year, Starovoit’s successor as governor, Alexei Smirnov, faced charges of embezzling money allocated for defense purposes amid allegations that the funds meant for border defenses were misappropriated, leaving Kursk more exposed to Ukrainian attacks.

Two men sitting across from each other at a table.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) and former transport minister Roman Starovoit in January. Source: AAP / AP / Gavriil Grigorov

Pressed earlier by reporters on whether his dismissal meant Putin had lost trust in Starovoit over Kursk, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said: “A loss of trust is mentioned if there is a loss of trust.”

“There is no such wording in the [Kremlin] decree,” he said.

Significant challenges for Russia’s transport sector

Starovoit’s dismissal comes at a time of significant challenges for Russia’s transport sector as the war in Ukraine drags on for a fourth year.

Russia’s aviation industry is experiencing a shortage of spare parts, and Russian railways, the nation’s largest employer, are struggling with rising interest expenses as elevated rates, essential to controlling high inflation exacerbated by the war, take their effect.

The Kremlin said Andrei Nikitin, a former governor of the Novgorod region, had been appointed acting transport minister and it published photographs of him shaking hands with Putin in the Kremlin.

Asked about Nikitin’s swift appointment, Peskov said: “At present, in the president’s opinion, Andrei Nikitin’s professional qualities and experience will best contribute to ensuring that this agency, which the president described as extremely important, fulfils its tasks and functions.”

Two transport industry sources said plans to replace Starovoit with Nikitin had been in the works since before last month’s International Economic Forum in St Petersburg.

The transport ministry declined to comment on Monday.

Readers seeking crisis support can ring Lifeline on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14, the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (for young people aged up to 25). More information and support with mental health is available at beyondblue.org.au and on 1300 22 4636.