Putin Sacks Transport Minister Starovoit For Unknown Reasons

Russian President Vladimir Putin fired his transport minister in an unexpected move, amid mounting challenges in the transport sector as the war in Ukraine stretches into its fourth year, Gleb Stolyarov reported for Reuters.

Starovoit was appointed in May 2024 after nearly five years as governor of the Kursk region, which borders Ukraine. I Photo: Kurskadm Wiki 

Russia's aviation industry is struggling with a shortage of spare parts, while Russian Railways—the country’s largest employer—is facing surging interest costs due to high rates aimed at curbing inflation, which has been exacerbated by the war.

Putin’s decree provided no explanation for the dismissal of Roman Starovoit, who had served as transport minister for barely a year.

Starovoit was appointed in May 2024 after nearly five years as governor of the Kursk region, which borders Ukraine.

The Kremlin announced that Andrei Nikitin, former governor of the Novgorod region, had been appointed acting transport minister and released photographs of him shaking hands with Putin at the Kremlin.

Asked about Starovoit's sudden departure and Nikitin’s swift appointment, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said: “At present, in the president's opinion, Andrei Nikitin's professional qualities and experience will best contribute to ensuring that this agency, which the president described as extremely important, fulfills its tasks and functions.”

Two transport industry sources, who requested anonymity, said plans to replace Starovoit with Nikitin had been in motion since before last month’s International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg.