State-run media outlet TASS reported that the incident is "preliminarily being considered a suicide." While investigations are ongoing, the initial findings point to self-inflicted harm. Earlier Monday morning, the Kremlin issued a presidential decree officially removing Starovoit from office. Andrey Kinitin has been appointed by Putin as acting transport minister, according to official government sources.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that Starovoit's dismissal was not related to any loss of trust, stating: “Otherwise, the presidential decree would have explicitly stated so.” Starovoit was appointed Minister of Transport in May 2024 after serving as Governor of the Kursk region for several years. His term as transport minister coincided with increased instability in Kursk, which saw military action from Ukrainian forces shortly after his appointment.
Though Ukraine had briefly occupied parts of the region, Russian troops regained control by April 2025. The news of Starovoit’s death has triggered widespread speculation both inside and outside Russia, particularly due to the timing of his dismissal and the circumstances surrounding his sudden passing.