The Russian Transport Minister, who was fired by Putin, reportedly killed himself

**Russia’s Former Transport Minister Dies by Suicide After Dismissal**

Roman Starovoit, Russia’s former Transport Minister, has died by suicide in Odintsovo, a suburb of Moscow. According to reports from the pro-government newspaper Izvestia, citing unnamed sources, Starovoit shot himself dead on July 7.

This development comes amid a series of high-profile disruptions to Russia’s aviation and shipping sectors. Just two days ago, nearly 500 flights were grounded at major Russian airports due to security threats from Ukrainian drone attacks. The following day, an explosion aboard the Eco Wizard tanker at the Ust-Luga port in Leningrad Oblast triggered an ammonia leak.

Starovoit was appointed transport minister in May 2024 after serving as governor of Russia’s Kursk Oblast. He had been sanctioned by Ukraine and Western countries for his role in the war against Ukraine.

**Background on Starovoit**

Roman Starovoit was a controversial figure, known for his hardline stance on issues related to Ukraine. His appointment as transport minister raised eyebrows among international observers, who noted that he was already under sanctions for his involvement in Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

Starovoit’s dismissal comes at a critical time, when Russia is facing mounting pressure over its actions in Ukraine and other parts of the world. The country has been hit by a series of high-profile disruptions to its transportation sector, including drone attacks on its airports and a major ammonia leak at one of its ports.

**What This Means**

The death of Roman Starovoit by suicide raises questions about the mental health impact of his dismissal from office. Was he feeling overwhelmed by the pressure of his role, or was there more at play? His involvement in Russia’s aggressive actions against Ukraine has been widely criticized, and it is unclear whether this played a role in his decision to take his own life.

This incident highlights the growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the internal struggles within Russia itself. As the conflict continues to escalate, we can expect more developments that will have far-reaching implications for global security.