Russian ex-minister dies by suicide hours after dismissal
The Kremlin published the official decree of Starovoit's dismissal Monday morning, naming his deputy, Andrey Nikitin, as acting minister, as reported by CNN.
When pressed by reporters for the reason behind the sudden move, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied it was due to a 'lack of trust' but offered no further explanation.
Former Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoit dies by suicide just hours after President Putin fired him from the job, officials say https://t.co/Bld4ltAmAK — CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) July 7, 2025
Later that day, Russia's Investigative Committee confirmed that Starovoit's body was found inside a car with a gunshot wound. While investigations are ongoing, officials say suicide is the leading theory.
Starovoit had previously served as governor of the southern Kursk region, where he was partially blamed for earlier lapses in security. Although he stepped down before a surprise Ukrainian incursion, some critics continued to hold him accountable.
His dismissal came at a time of chaos in Russia's air travel sector. Over the weekend and into Monday, the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency reported 485 flight cancellations, 88 diversions, and nearly 1,900 delays.
The agency attributed the disruption to 'external interference' without elaboration. Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry said over 400 long-range Ukrainian strikes were intercepted during the same period.
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ALBAWABA- Former Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoit died by suicide on Monday, just hours after President Vladimir Putin dismissed him from his post, according to Russian authorities. Also Read Russia captures first village in Dnipropetrovsk region The Kremlin published the official decree of Starovoit's dismissal Monday morning, naming his deputy, Andrey Nikitin, as acting minister, as reported by CNN. When pressed by reporters for the reason behind the sudden move, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov denied it was due to a 'lack of trust' but offered no further explanation. Former Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoit dies by suicide just hours after President Putin fired him from the job, officials say — CNN Breaking News (@cnnbrk) July 7, 2025 Later that day, Russia's Investigative Committee confirmed that Starovoit's body was found inside a car with a gunshot wound. While investigations are ongoing, officials say suicide is the leading theory. Starovoit had previously served as governor of the southern Kursk region, where he was partially blamed for earlier lapses in security. Although he stepped down before a surprise Ukrainian incursion, some critics continued to hold him accountable. His dismissal came at a time of chaos in Russia's air travel sector. Over the weekend and into Monday, the Russian Federal Air Transport Agency reported 485 flight cancellations, 88 diversions, and nearly 1,900 delays. The agency attributed the disruption to 'external interference' without elaboration. Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry said over 400 long-range Ukrainian strikes were intercepted during the same period.
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