Former Russian Transport Minister Reportedly Shoots Himself After Dismissal

Roman Starovoit, Russia's former transport minister, reportedly died by suicide shortly after being dismissed by President Vladimir Putin amid a transportation crisis in Russia. His dismissal followed major disruptions at Russian airports caused by Ukrainian drone attacks and an ammonia leak from a tanker explosion, which severely impacted the transportation sector. Starovoit had previously served as governor of Kursk Oblast and was sanctioned by Ukraine and Western countries for his role in the war against Ukraine. Putin appointed Starovoit's deputy, Andrey Nikitin, as acting transport minister after the dismissal. Kremlin officials declined to comment on the reasons for Starovoit's firing. The events unfolded amid ongoing drone attacks by Russia on Ukraine, with Ukrainian authorities emphasizing the importance of air defense and announcing increased drone production in collaboration with European allies and a US defense company.