- Roman Starovoyt was found dead in his car hours after being dismissed as Russia’s transport minister.
- Investigators suspect suicide linked to political and corruption pressures.
- His death follows months of scrutiny over Kursk region defense fund embezzlement.
Former Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoyt was found dead in his vehicle on July 7, 2025, just hours after President Vladimir Putin issued a decree removing him from office.
Starovoyt had previously served as the governor of the Kursk region, a critical frontline area during the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. During his tenure, questions were raised about the mismanagement of federal funds designated for regional defense infrastructure.
Dismissal and Death: Putin’s Ex-Minister Found Dead Amid Growing Scandal
Roman Starovoyt’s political career spanned key regional and federal roles, most notably his six-year term as governor of Kursk Oblast from 2018 to 2024. His transition to federal office in May 2024, shortly after Putin’s re-election, was seen as part of a reshuffle to strengthen the cabinet with wartime experience. However, his appointment coincided with rising logistical issues, including repeated disruptions caused by Ukrainian drone strikes.
In recent months, Starovoyt had come under increasing scrutiny due to reports of corruption in the Kursk region. Multiple arrests in April 2025—including his successor and former deputy—sparked speculation that he would eventually face criminal proceedings. Russian outlet Kommersant reported that Starovoyt was implicated in the alleged embezzlement of over a billion rubles intended for fortification projects along the Ukrainian border.
Adding to the pressure, a transport crisis unfolded just days before his dismissal. Nearly 500 flights were grounded across major Russian airports in response to security threats, followed by a chemical leak at Ust-Luga port. These incidents further highlighted systemic vulnerabilities in the transportation sector under Starovoyt’s leadership, possibly accelerating the Kremlin’s decision to remove him from office.
Despite official statements distancing the dismissal from any “loss of trust,” the swift appointment of his deputy, Andrei Nikitin, suggests a premeditated replacement plan. Nikitin, a former regional governor himself, met with Putin shortly after the announcement to address urgent reforms. Analysts say the handling of the transition underscores the Kremlin’s desire for continuity amid increasing wartime pressures and domestic instability.
Roman Starovoyt’s sudden death marks a grim chapter in the ongoing turbulence within Russia’s political and defense apparatus, raising questions about accountability, pressure, and internal fractures.
“The weight of a guilty conscience is not easily lifted—even by silence.” — Unknown
