Russia’s transport chief dismissed by Putin found dead in suspected suicide
RUSSIA, JUL 7 – Roman Starovoit died by suicide hours after dismissal amid a transport crisis and corruption probe linked to his tenure as Kursk governor, with over 480 flights canceled during the crisis.
- Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoit was found dead in his car from a gunshot wound in Odintsovo on July 8, 2025, one day after his dismissal.
- Starovoit's removal by President Vladimir Putin on July 7 followed allegations of embezzlement linked to fortification projects during his tenure as governor of Kursk Oblast.
- Several former associates, including his successor Alexei Smirnov, remain under investigation for large-scale fraud, and Smirnov reportedly testified against Starovoit.
- Investigators view suicide as the most probable cause of death, given a gun was found near Starovoit's body; however, no definitive determination has been publicly disclosed, and the exact timing of his passing remains uncertain.
- Starovoit’s death and dismissal occur amid Russian transport sector struggles exacerbated by Ukrainian attacks and Western sanctions, underscoring ongoing institutional challenges.
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It is unclear how exactly Roman Starowoit died. SRF correspondent Calum MacKenzie explains the background.
Former Russian Transport Minister Román Starovoit, who was dismissed on Monday, July 7 by Russian President Vladimir Putin, was found dead outside Moscow, reported the Russian Instruction Committee, which shuffles suicide as the main cause of his death“The investigation is establishing the circumstances of the death of Román Starovoit,” according to a statement from the institution, published in his Telegram. The note indicates that the official…

Kremlin calls transportation minister’s death ‘tragic’ but gives no clues about his apparent suicide
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Ex Minister Dies By Suicide Hours After Being Fired By Putin
In a shocking turn of events, Russia’s former Transport Minister Roman Starovoyt was found dead in his car. This happened just hours after being officially dismissed by President Vladimir Putin.Authorities say the 53-year-old died from a gunshot wound, with suicide considered the leading theory.His body was discovered in Moscow’s Odintsovo district Monday, only hours after the Kremlin announced his removal. The timing is raising eyebrows—and que…
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