Former Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoit Found Dead With Gunshot Wound After Dismissal

Roman Starovoit, Russia's former transport minister, was found dead in his car with a gunshot wound shortly after being dismissed by President Vladimir Putin. The Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation confirmed the death and indicated suicide as the main version, though the investigation remains ongoing. Starovoit's sudden dismissal came amid speculation he faced pressure related to challenges in implementing transportation initiatives and infrastructure issues. He had been appointed transport minister in May 2024 after serving as governor of the Kursk region, which saw a significant Ukrainian incursion earlier that year. Following Starovoit's firing, Andrei Nikitin was appointed acting transport minister, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov emphasizing Nikitin's qualifications to lead the agency. The circumstances surrounding Starovoit's death continue to be clarified as authorities investigate the incident.