Roman V. Starovoyt, Russia's transport minister, was discovered dead in his car from a gunshot wound on Monday, just hours post his dismissal by the Kremlin. Authorities are treating the case as a potential suicide. At 53 years old, Starovoyt previously governed the Kursk region, a hotspot bordering Ukraine, before becoming transport minister in May 2024.
His brief tenure was marked by significant turmoil: Ukrainian forces invaded and captured parts of the Kursk region just three months after his promotion. This marked the first time since World War II that Ukrainian troops occupied Russian territory, causing embarrassment for President Vladimir Putin and triggering domestic backlash. Following these events, Russian officials from the Kursk area have faced arrests, with allegations of financial misconduct related to border security.
Authorities confirmed Starovoyt's body was found in the Odintsovo district near Moscow, and they are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. The Kremlin acknowledged his dismissal with a decree, and Putin's meeting with Starovoyt's successor, Andrei Nikitin, shortly thereafter sparked speculation about the political fallout from recent events. The Kremlin has yet to address Starovoyt's death directly.
For anyone struggling with challenging emotions, help is available; reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
His brief tenure was marked by significant turmoil: Ukrainian forces invaded and captured parts of the Kursk region just three months after his promotion. This marked the first time since World War II that Ukrainian troops occupied Russian territory, causing embarrassment for President Vladimir Putin and triggering domestic backlash. Following these events, Russian officials from the Kursk area have faced arrests, with allegations of financial misconduct related to border security.
Authorities confirmed Starovoyt's body was found in the Odintsovo district near Moscow, and they are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. The Kremlin acknowledged his dismissal with a decree, and Putin's meeting with Starovoyt's successor, Andrei Nikitin, shortly thereafter sparked speculation about the political fallout from recent events. The Kremlin has yet to address Starovoyt's death directly.
For anyone struggling with challenging emotions, help is available; reach out to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
