Key Facts
• July 7: Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed Transport Minister Vitaly Starovoit.
• Starovoit’s body was found in his car near Moscow with a gunshot wound.
• Authorities suspect suicide; investigation is ongoing.
• Dmitry Nikitin, former deputy transport minister, was appointed as acting minister.
• Kremlin spokesperson clarified dismissal was not due to loss of presidential trust.
• Starovoit served as governor of Kursk region from 2019 to 2022.
• Nikitin previously served as governor of Novgorod region until February 2023.
Summary
Russian Transport Minister Vitaly Starovoit, dismissed by President Vladimir Putin on July 7, was found dead in his car near Moscow with a gunshot wound. Authorities suspect suicide. Dmitry Nikitin, former deputy transport minister, has been appointed as acting minister. The Kremlin clarified that Starovoit’s dismissal was not due to a loss of trust. Starovoit had a notable political career, serving as governor of the Kursk region before becoming transport minister in May 2022. Nikitin, who previously governed the Novgorod region, transitioned to the transport ministry earlier this year. Investigations into the circumstances of Starovoit’s death are ongoing.
