Russia is talking about this! Minister dismissed by Putin found dead at home

Minister of Transport Roman Starovoit, who was dismissed by Russian President Vladimir Putin via a decree signed on the morning of July 7, was found dead at his home on the evening of the same day.

The news was first reported by Izvestia, one of Russia's leading newspapers. In the report, which was also carried by Reuters, it was alleged that the cause of death for the 53-year-old Starovoit was "suicide by firearm."

No official statement was made regarding the reason for Starovoit's dismissal. However, sources close to the Kremlin suggested that increasing transportation problems and infrastructure inadequacies across Russia were the primary reasons for this decision.

Roman Starovoit had frequently been subject to public criticism, particularly regarding logistics chains disrupted after the war and disruptions in road transportation.

Starovoit served at Rosavtodor, Russia's federal road agency, between 2012 and 2018. During this period, he led highway projects across the country. Appointed as Minister of Transport in 2018, Starovoit served in Putin's cabinet for over five years.

NIKITIN APPOINTED AS SUCCESSOR

In a statement from the Kremlin, it was announced that Andrei Nikitin, who previously served as the governor of the Novgorod region and was currently serving as Deputy Minister of Transport, has been appointed to replace Starovoit.