Roman Starovoit dies by suspected suicide after being fired by Putin

In Russia, Roman Starovoit, the former Minister of Transport, reportedly took his life shortly after being dismissed from his position by President Vladimir Putin on July 7, 2025. His body was discovered in his car in Odintsovo, a suburb of Moscow, with a gunshot wound. The Investigative Committee indicated a probable suicide as the primary theory behind his death. Starovoit, who was 53, had acted in his ministerial role since May 2024 and previously occupied the governor's office in the Kursk region. His dismissal came amid a crisis in air travel, as over 485 flights had been canceled due to alleged Ukrainian drone attacks, leading to significant disruptions in Russian airspace. Reports suggest that Starovoit’s removal may also be tied to an investigation regarding embezzlement of state funds intended for regional fortifications in Kursk, where he was criticized for security failures during a Ukrainian military incursion. The Kremlin has yet to clarify the reasons for his ousting, as spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that it was not due to a “lack of trust.” However, the timing raised questions about the circumstances behind Starovoit's management and operational challenges. His death is part of a series of troubling incidents surrounding Russian officials; shortly after his death, another deputy of the transport ministry died suddenly under mysterious circumstances, potentially signifying a broader culture of secrecy and fear within Russian governance. Starovoit’s incident also highlights the ongoing tensions and the chaotic environment created by the war in Ukraine, which has impacted various sectors in Russia, including transportation. The relationship between government officials’ actions and the public's safety has reached a critical point, as evidenced by the nature of the allegations against Starovoit. The tragedy of his alleged suicide raises fundamental questions regarding accountability and transparency in the Russian government as the ramifications of his dismissal and the backdrop of warfare loom large over the country’s administration.