Russian transport minister Roman V. Starovoyt was found dead from a gunshot wound, just hours after the Kremlin announced his dismissal from office. Authorities have opened an investigation into the incident, treating it as a possible suicide. Starovoyt, who was 53, previously served as governor of the Kursk region for nearly six years before his appointment to the transport ministry in May 2024.
His term as governor was marked by a significant military setback when Ukrainian forces invaded and occupied parts of Kursk, the first encroachment into Russian territory since World War II. This loss has been a source of embarrassment for President Vladimir Putin and has intensified scrutiny on Starovoyt's administration.
In recent months, the Russian government has ramped up investigations into former officials in Kursk, linking them to an embezzlement scheme involving over $12 million intended for border fortification efforts during Starovoyt's governance. His successor and close aide, Aleksei B. Smirnov, was arrested in April on allegations of misconduct related to these funds.
The case has evolved, with the state news agency Tass revealing that further charges may be forthcoming as witnesses have started to cooperate with investigators. The current political climate in Russia is tense, and Starovoyt’s sudden death has only added to the growing concerns surrounding accountability and governance in the region amidst an ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
