Russian authorities have confirmed that former transport minister Roman Starovoyt took his own life on Monday, just hours after news emerged that President Vladimir Putin had dismissed him from his position.
Starovoyt, aged 53, had served as transport minister for only a year and was previously the governor of the Kursk region, an area frequently affected by cross-border attacks amid the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
His death comes at a time when Moscow is intensifying its clampdown on various military and civilian officials against the backdrop of its protracted offensive in Ukraine. Officials reported that his body was discovered in Odintsovo, a suburb of Moscow.
“Today, the body of former Transport Minister Roman Starovoyt was found in his private car with a gunshot wound in the Odintsovo district,” the Investigative Committee said in a statement.
“The main version (considered) is suicide,” it added.
Russian state media said Starovoyt shot himself. It was not clear exactly when he did so.
AFP saw police and investigators at a car park, with state media saying Starovoyt committed suicide near his car in a busy area near some apartment blocks.
Hours earlier, the Kremlin published a decree signed by Putin to relieve Starovoyt of his duties.
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It only said: “Roman Starovoyt was relieved of the post of Minister of Transport.”
Starovoyt’s firing came after another weekend of travel chaos at Russian airports following Ukrainian drone attacks.
Russian state media have suggested that Roman Starovoyt’s dismissal might be linked to corruption investigations in the Kursk region, particularly allegations of embezzlement involving funds earmarked for border fortifications.
Earlier in April, Alexei Smirnov, who succeeded Starovoyt as governor of Kursk last year, was arrested over accusations that he misappropriated more than $12 million intended for strengthening defences along the Ukrainian border. Reports indicate that Smirnov may have provided testimony implicating Starovoyt in the alleged financial misconduct.
The Russian government has intensified its anti-corruption drive in recent months, targeting both military and civilian officials suspected of diverting funds designated for the ongoing war effort.
While the Kremlin has yet to issue an official statement regarding Starovoyt’s death, spokesperson Dmitry Peskov earlier clarified that his removal from office was unrelated to any loss of presidential trust.
Shortly after confirming the dismissal, President Vladimir Putin appointed Andrei Nikitin, one of Starovoyt’s deputies, as acting transport minister. The State Duma is expected to vote on his formal appointment on Tuesday.
Starovoyt, a native of Kursk, had been a prominent public figure, frequently seen alongside Putin at official engagements during the Ukraine conflict.