A former Russian minister has died just hours after being dismissed by President Vladimir Putin.
Russian media reports that Roman Starovoit, the recently ousted Transport Minister, died by suicide on Monday following his removal from office.
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According to the Investigative Committee of Russia, Starovoit was “found in a personal car with a gunshot wound.” Speculation is growing that the incident may be tied to a potential criminal investigation, and reports suggest he may have used an honorary firearm awarded to him by the Interior Ministry in 2023.
Putin did not provide an official reason for Starovoit’s dismissal. However, sources told Reuters that talks of his removal had been circulating for weeks due to alleged corruption in the Kursk region.
Starovoit had held the position for just one year. Following his dismissal, President Putin appointed Andrey Nikitin, the former governor of the Novgorod region, as acting transport minister.
FTN
