Overview

• President Vladimir Putin dismissed Roman Starovoït on July 7 without providing a reason.
• Hours after his removal, Starovoït’s body was found in his car with a gunshot wound and authorities opened a suicide investigation.
• The Russian Investigative Committee has not yet clarified the exact timing or circumstances of his death.
• Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov said the apparent suicide was shocking and that the probe should answer outstanding questions.
• Andrei Nikitine has been appointed transport minister and his nomination is currently under review by the State Duma.