**Former Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoit Found Dead After Dismissal**

**In a surprising turn of events, former Russian Minister of Transport Roman Starovoit has been found dead shortly after his dismissal by President Vladimir Putin, with a focus now on the circumstances surrounding his passing.**

Former Russian Transport Minister Roman Starovoit has been discovered dead, reportedly from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, just hours after President Vladimir Putin dismissed him from his position. The Russian Investigative Committee is now examining the details of the incident, although the exact timing of Starovoit’s death remains unclear.

Starovoit took on the responsibility of Transport Minister in May 2024, following a long tenure as governor of the Kursk region. His dismissal came without official explanation; however, immediate reports suggested that Andrei Nikitin would step in as his replacement. The context is further complicated by regional tensions, highlighted by the Kursk area's partial occupation by Ukrainian forces in August 2024.

Just prior to Starovoit's appointment, his predecessor Aleksey Smirnov was arrested amid allegations of embezzling funds earmarked for border fortifications. Speculation is rife that Starovoit could have faced similar legal troubles as his name emerged in ongoing investigations linked to Smirnov’s case.

Despite questions about Starovoit’s dismissal and whether it indicated a loss of confidence from Putin, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov refrained from directly addressing the implications of the Minister's ousting during a press briefing. The unfolding situation emphasizes the intricacies and uncertainties surrounding Russia's political landscape as the nation navigates significant challenges both domestically and in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.