Roman Starovoyt, Russia’s former Minister of Transport and ex-governor of the Kursk region, was found dead from a gunshot wound on Monday July 6, 2025, just hours after President Vladimir Putin dismissed him from his ministerial post.
His body was discovered inside a parked Tesla in a wooded area outside Moscow, according to Russian media. A pistol registered in his name was found nearby. Investigators have launched a probe into his death, considering the possibility of suicide, though the exact circumstances remain unclear.
Insider sources from Russia reavealed that, Starovoyt, 53, had served as Minister of Transport since May 2024. Before that, he was governor of Kursk, a border region near Ukraine, for over five years. Kursk became a flashpoint in early 2025 when it experienced the biggest cross-border attack on Russian soil since World War II.
“The timing of his death has raised suspicions. President Putin had removed him from office earlier that same day, without giving any reason. Analysts believe his dismissal may be connected to a corruption investigation involving defence funds in the Kursk region,” Russian insider source said.
The insider source added that investigation reportedly centers on the alleged embezzlement of 19.4 billion rubles (about $246 million) allocated in 2022 for strengthening border defences. His successor in Kursk, Alexei Smirnov, was charged in April with misusing those funds. Russian media report that Smirnov named Starovoyt during interrogations, although Starovoyt had denied any wrongdoing.
His death adds new uncertainty to Russia’s political leadership during wartime, especially in the transport sector, which has faced increasing pressure due to ongoing military operations in Ukraine.
