Russia’s Sacked Transport Minister Found Dead Hours After Putin Dismissal
Roman Starovoyt, Russia’s recently dismissed Transport Minister, was found dead with a gunshot wound outside Moscow on Monday. The 53-year-old official died just hours after President Vladimir Putin signed a decree terminating his appointment.
Starovoyt’s body was discovered near his Tesla vehicle, which was parked close to a park in the Moscow region. The former regional governor had served in the transport ministry role before his abrupt dismissal earlier that day.
The timing of Starovoyt’s death has raised immediate questions about the circumstances surrounding both his firing and subsequent demise. Russian authorities have not yet released official statements regarding the cause of death or whether they suspect foul play.
Putin’s decree removing Starovoyt from his ministerial position provided no explanation for the dismissal. The president’s office has not commented on the minister’s death or the reasons behind the earlier termination.
Starovoyt previously served as a regional governor before joining Putin’s administration in the transport ministry. His sudden removal from office followed a pattern of recent high-profile dismissals within the Russian government.
The incident occurs amid ongoing tensions within Russia’s political establishment. Several officials have faced unexpected removals from their positions in recent months, though few cases have involved such dramatic subsequent developments.
Russian law enforcement agencies have reportedly begun investigating the circumstances surrounding Starovoyt’s death.
