Ex-Russian Minister Starovoit Dies in Apparent Suicide

July 8, 2025

3 minutes read

Russia

Russia’s former Transport Minister Roman Starovoit, 53, was found dead with a gunshot wound in his car in Odintsovo, a Moscow suburb, on July 7, 2025.

This comes hours after President Vladimir Putin dismissed him, according to Russia’s Investigative Committee.

The agency, led by spokesperson Svetlana Petrenko, considers suicide the primary hypothesis, noting a Makarov pistol—awarded to Starovoit in 2003 for public safety service—found beside him.

The timing and circumstances of his death, coupled with his sudden dismissal, have fueled speculation about ties to a corruption probe linked to his tenure as Kursk region governor.

Circumstances of Death and Dismissal

Starovoit’s body was discovered in his vehicle in an elite Odintsovo neighborhood, with law enforcement seen removing it Monday evening.

The Kremlin’s decree, published at 9:15 a.m. on July 7, relieved Starovoit of his duties without explanation, appointing deputy Andrei Nikitin as acting minister.

While the Investigative Committee has not confirmed the exact time of death, State Duma member Andrei Kartapolov claimed Starovoit died “quite a while ago,” with some Russian media suggesting his death may have preceded the decree, possibly occurring as early as Friday.

Starovoit was last seen publicly on Sunday, receiving reports in the ministry’s situation room.

Speculation on Corruption and Kursk Connection

Russian media, including Kommersant, report that Starovoit’s dismissal may be linked to an embezzlement investigation involving 19.4 billion rubles ($246 million) allocated for Kursk region border fortifications during his governorship (2018–2024).

The probe, which led to the April 2025 arrest of his successor, Alexei Smirnov, and deputy Alexei Dedov, alleges funds were misappropriated, weakening defenses against a Ukrainian incursion in August 2024—the first foreign occupation of Russian soil since World War II.

Smirnov’s testimony reportedly implicated Starovoit, raising the possibility of impending charges.

Political analyst Yevgeny Minchenko called the dismissal “predictable,” citing Kursk’s failures.

Transport Sector Challenges

Starovoit’s tenure as transport minister, beginning in May 2024, coincided with severe disruptions, including 485 flight cancellations and 1,900 delays over July 5–6 due to Ukrainian drone attacks.

An ammonia leak from an explosion at Ust-Luga port further strained the sector, already hampered by Western sanctions limiting spare parts and high interest rates impacting Russian Railways.

While some speculated these failures contributed to his dismissal, most analysts argue the Kursk corruption probe was the primary factor, as drone-related disruptions are routine.

Kremlin’s Response and Broader Context

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied Starovoit’s dismissal stemmed from a “loss of trust,” emphasizing Nikitin’s qualifications.

However, the lack of clarity fueled speculation, with posts on X, including from @RT_com, noting Starovoit faced potential questioning over embezzlement on the day of his death.

Russia’s pattern of targeting dismissed officials with corruption charges, as seen with former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, suggests political scapegoating amid military setbacks.

The Kursk incursion, a major embarrassment for Putin, has driven a broader crackdown on officials linked to border failures.

Looking Ahead

The ongoing investigation into Starovoit’s death, coupled with the Kursk embezzlement probe, underscores Russia’s internal pressures as the Ukraine war continues.

While suicide remains the leading theory, unconfirmed reports of an earlier death raise questions about the official narrative.

As Putin consolidates power, the transport sector’s challenges and corruption allegations will likely keep the Kremlin under scrutiny, with Nikitin tasked to stabilize a critical industry.

 

Read also:

Share:
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Related Links

Olakunle Nafiu

NYSC Highlights Employer Rejection Concerns

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has raised alarm over the growing trend of employers ...

heat

Morocco Heat Wave Drives Surge in Air Conditioning Demand

Morocco is grappling with a severe heatwave this summer, with temperatures soaring well above average ...

Trump

U.S. Hosts Five West and Central African Leaders in Strategic Summit

The United States is hosting a landmark two-day summit at the White House, beginning Wednesday, ...

West Africa

West African Cocoa Output Set to Drop 10% in 2025/26 Season

West African cocoa production is projected to decline by 10% in the 2025/26 season, extending ...

Features

heat

Morocco Heat Wave Drives Surge in Air Conditioning Demand

Morocco is grappling with a severe heatwave this summer, with temperatures soaring well above average ...

UK

UK and US Clamp Down on Nigerian Visas:What Does It Really Mean?

The United Kingdom and United States have recently tightened visa policies for Nigerian citizens, sparking ...

Netherlands Returns 119 Looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria

On Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Netherlands returned 119 looted artifacts, known as the Benin ...

Ngugi-wa-Thiongo

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o:Passed the pen to the Next Generation.

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, a legendary Kenyan writer, scholar, and revolutionary voice in African literature passed ...

ECOWAS

ECOWAS Celebrates 50th Anniversary Amid Sahel States Tensions

On May 28, 1975, fifteen West African nations signed the Lagos Treaty, establishing the Economic ...

What Really Moves Bitcoin’s Price? A Comprehensive Guide to the Key Drivers of Volatility and Value

What Really Moves Bitcoin’s Price? A Comprehensive Guide to the Key Drivers of Volatility and Value

​Bitcoin, the pioneering cryptocurrency, has captivated the financial world with its innovative technology and notable ...

Guinea Sets September 2025 Date for Constitutional Referendum as Military Inches Toward Democratic Transition

Guinea Sets September 2025 Date for Constitutional Referendum as Military Inches Toward Democratic Transition

Guinea’s military-led government has officially announced that a national referendum on a new constitution will ...

Ivory Coast economic growth

Côte d’Ivoire’s Economic Boom Faces Political Test in 2025 Election

Ivory Coast’s Economic Success: A Model for West Africa Côte d’Ivoire has emerged as one ...

Latest News

Today in History

July 10th is the day in 1947 that Muhammad Ali Jinnah is recommended as the first Governor-General of Pakistan by British Prime Minister Clement Attlee.

Exchange Rate Per Dollar

AM Armenian Dram382.6962
GH Ghana Cedi10.4
GM Gambian Dalasi71.5
GN Guinea Franc8,668.68
NG Nigerian Naira₦1,528.3
CF CFA Franc BEAC559.0924
10 Jul · CurrencyRate · USD
CurrencyRate.Today
Check: 10 Jul 2025 07:10 UTC
Latest change: 10 Jul 2025 07:00 UTC
API: CurrencyRate
Disclaimers. This plugin or website cannot guarantee the accuracy of the exchange rates displayed. You should confirm current rates before making any transactions that could be affected by changes in the exchange rates.
You can install this WP plugin on your website from the WordPress official website: Exchange Rates🚀

YOUR THOUGHTS

Let us know what you think

Contact the People’s Paper with feedback on stories and how we could make wapress.africa even better!

newsletter image

Stay up to date with the latest from West Africa Press

Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on WApress.

Subscribe Newsletter!

Be the first to receive our latest contents and more...

Need help?