Russia’s former transport minister, Roman Starovoyt, has died by suicide, according to an official announcement made in Moscow on Monday—just hours after President Vladimir Putin relieved him of his ministerial duties.
Starovoyt, 53, was found dead in his private car in the Odintsovo district near Moscow with a gunshot wound, the Investigative Committee confirmed. Authorities stated that suicide is currently the main line of investigation.
“Today, the body of former Transport Minister Roman Starovoyt was found in his private car with a gunshot wound in the Odintsovo district,” the committee said in a statement. “The primary version being considered is suicide.”
Russian state media reported that he had shot himself, although the exact time of death remains unclear. Images and footage from the scene showed police and investigators cordoning off a car park near residential flats where the incident occurred.
Earlier that day, the Kremlin had issued a brief decree announcing Starovoyt’s dismissal, stating only: “Roman Starovoyt was relieved of the post of Minister of Transport.”
His dismissal came in the wake of widespread disruptions at Russian airports, attributed to Ukrainian drone attacks over the weekend. However, media speculation suggests his removal may be connected to an ongoing corruption investigation.
In April, authorities arrested Alexei Smirnov, who had succeeded Starovoyt as governor of the Kursk region, accusing him of embezzling over $12 million meant for border fortifications. Several Russian media outlets reported that Smirnov had given testimony implicating Starovoyt in the case.
Starovoyt previously served as governor of the border Kursk region, where Russian forces have faced repeated Ukrainian incursions. He frequently appeared alongside President Putin during public events relating to the Ukraine conflict.
The Kremlin has not commented on the circumstances surrounding Starovoyt’s death. Prior to the news breaking, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov insisted that the dismissal was “not linked to a loss of trust”.
Shortly after announcing the dismissal, President Putin met with Andrei Nikitin, one of Starovoyt’s deputies, appointing him acting Minister of Transport. The State Duma is expected to vote on his confirmation on Tuesday.