Roman Starovoit, the recently dismissed transportation minister of Russia, was found dead in his car in Odintsovo, a suburb of Moscow, with a gunshot wound. The State Investigative Committee in Russia has stated that the primary preliminary cause of his death is likely suicide. The tragic news emerged shortly after President Vladimir Putin had announced Starovoit’s removal from his position, although no specific reasons were provided for this decision.
In light of Starovoit’s departure, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Andrei Nikitin, the former deputy minister of transportation and a past governor of the Novgorod region, would be taking over the role. Peskov emphasized that the choice was based on Nikitin’s relevant experience, stating that no loss of confidence in Starovoit was formally acknowledged.
However, reports from Mash, a publication linked to Russian law enforcement, allege that Starovoit was under investigation for potential involvement in a significant criminal fraud case related to development contracts he authorized during his time as governor of the Kursk region. His successor as governor, Alexei Smirnov, and first deputy, Alexei Dedov, were arrested and charged with large-scale fraud earlier in April, raising questions about the overall management and integrity of the region’s fortifications during the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
While the investigation’s ties to Starovoit’s death remain unclear, Russian outlet Shot claims that Smirnov has provided testimony against him. Starovoit served as transportation minister for a brief period after being appointed in May 2024, amidst the ongoing challenges facing Russia’s transport sector intensified by the war in Ukraine and related Western sanctions.
The unexpected nature of Starovoit’s death and the circumstances surrounding his resignation may serve as a moment for reflection within Russia’s political landscape, especially considering the complexities and pressures faced by officials amid ongoing military and economic challenges.