Roman Starovoyt, the Transport Minister of Russia who was dismissed today (7/7) by President Vladimir Putin, has died by suicide, according to reports from Izvestiya news outlet, citing a source. According to the same report, Starovoyt shot himself. The Russian president dismissed him from the government in an unexpected move, according to analysts, which comes during a period of significant challenges for the transport sector, as the war in Ukraine continues into its fourth year.
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Russia’s aviation sector faces spare parts shortages and Russian Railways, the country’s largest employer, is struggling with soaring borrowing costs as high interest rates – required to contain elevated inflation worsened by the war – take their toll. Putin’s decree did not provide reasons for dismissing Roman Starovoyt after just one year in the position. Starovoyt was appointed Transport Minister in May 2024, having spent nearly five years as governor of the Kursk region that borders Ukraine.
Replaced by Nikitin
The Kremlin announced that Andrei Nikitin, former governor of the Novgorod region, had been appointed acting Transport Minister and published photos of him shaking hands with Putin at the Kremlin. Asked about Starovoyt’s sudden departure and Nikitin’s quick appointment, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: “At present, in the president’s opinion, Andrei Nikitin’s professional qualifications and experience will better contribute to ensuring that this service, which the president has characterized as extremely important, will fulfill its duties and functions.”
Two sources from the transport industry, who requested anonymity, said that plans to replace Starovoyt with Nikitin were in the works before last month’s International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg.
