Dismissed by Putin, Dead Within Hours: Mystery Behind Ex-Minister’s Death

Roman Starovoit, Russia’s recently dismissed transport minister, was found dead from a gunshot wound in his vehicle just hours after President Vladimir Putin officially removed him from office.

The incident occurred in a suburb of Moscow and, according to a statement from Russia’s Investigative Committee, appears to be a suicide.

Earlier that same day, the Kremlin published a presidential order signed by Putin confirming Starovoit’s dismissal, with no explanation given.

The document was dated July 7 at 9:15 a.m., shortly before news of his death surfaced.

However, conflicting reports from Russian media, including Forbes Russia, suggest that Starovoit may have died as early as the previous Friday.

Authorities have yet to clarify the timeline, and uncertainty remains about whether he died before or after the official dismissal.

State Duma member Andrei Kartapolov added to the confusion, telling reporters that Starovoit had died “quite long ago.”

His statement suggested a significant gap between his actual death and the public announcement of his removal from office.

Starovoit was a well-known political figure who had previously served as the governor of the Kursk region from 2018 to 2024.

During his tenure, he oversaw the construction of defensive structures near the border with Ukraine, following the onset of Russia’s invasion in 2022.

His role in the region was critical as Kursk became a strategic location due to its proximity to the conflict zone.

His successor as governor of Kursk was later arrested in connection with a major corruption case involving the misappropriation of over 1 billion roubles (approximately £10 million) in federal funds.

These funds were intended for border defense projects.

According to Kommersant, a prominent Russian business daily, individuals implicated in the scandal have reportedly named Starovoit during the investigation, potentially exposing him to legal jeopardy.

In Russia, high-ranking officials who fall out of political favor and lose their official roles often become vulnerable to criminal investigations, particularly if they were previously shielded by political connections.

The suggestion that Starovoit may have been under scrutiny at the time of his death raises questions about whether legal troubles may have influenced his apparent suicide.

Adding to the intrigue, Starovoit was found with a Makarov pistol in his possession, an award he had received in 2003 for his work in public safety during his tenure as Kursk governor.

The use of this ceremonial weapon has been viewed by some as symbolic.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied claims that Starovoit had been dismissed due to a “lack of trust” but declined to provide further information on the reasons behind the decision.

This lack of transparency has only deepened speculation about the circumstances surrounding both the dismissal and the subsequent death.

On the same day as Starovoit’s death, another senior transport official, Andrei Korneichuk of Russia’s federal road agency, also died, reportedly from a heart attack at his workplace.

While authorities have not linked the two deaths, the timing has drawn attention and fueled further speculation among observers.

Starovoit’s dismissal came amid broader turmoil in Russia’s transportation sector.

Over the weekend, nearly 500 flights were canceled and another 1,500 delayed across the country following extensive drone attacks carried out by Ukraine.

Russian media described the situation as a “transport collapse,” with widespread chaos at major airports including Sheremetyevo in Moscow and Pulkovo in St. Petersburg.

The drone strikes, which involved hundreds of long-range unmanned aerial vehicles from both sides, were part of a renewed escalation in the conflict.

Ukraine announced plans to increase drone production with Western assistance, while Russia claimed to have shot down more than 150 drones.

As Russia reels from the dual shocks of escalating conflict and high-profile deaths within its government, the full story behind Starovoit’s dismissal and apparent suicide remains murky.

The case highlights the precarious position of officials in the Russian political system, where falling out of favor can have serious, even fatal, consequences.

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