Key Facts
• Russian Transport Minister Starovoit, dismissed by Putin, found dead in a car.
• Death occurred shortly after his dismissal on July 7, 2025.
• Russian authorities suspect suicide by gunshot.
• Starovoit previously served as governor of Kursk region until May 2024.
• Kursk region faced cross-border attacks by Ukrainian forces during his tenure.
• Reports link Starovoit to embezzlement allegations involving border defense facilities.
• Former Kursk officials were arrested for similar charges.
• Russian Defense Ministry announced control of Dachi settlement in Dnipropetrovsk region.
• This marks the first reported capture in Dnipropetrovsk since the invasion began.
Summary
Russian Transport Minister Vitaly Starovoit, recently dismissed by President Vladimir Putin, was found dead in a car near Moscow on July 7, 2025. Authorities suspect suicide by gunshot. Starovoit, who served as governor of the Kursk region until May 2024, faced allegations of involvement in embezzlement related to border defense facilities. His death follows the arrest of former Kursk officials on similar charges. Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry reported capturing the Dachi settlement in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk region, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict.
