Russian Transport Minister Roman Satvarov Found Dead Hours After Dismissal by President Putin

Russian Transport Minister Roman Satvarov Found Dead Hours After Dismissal by President Putin
[Moscow, July 8, 2025]

Russian Transport Minister Roman Satvarov was found dead just hours after being dismissed from his post by President Vladimir Putin, according to the country’s Investigative Committee. Preliminary findings suggest that Satvarov died by suicide, having allegedly shot himself.

On Monday morning, President Putin unexpectedly dismissed Satvarov from his role as Transport Minister. No official reason was given for the dismissal. Shortly afterward, Deputy Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin was appointed as his replacement.

News of Satvarov’s death emerged by the evening. The Investigative Committee issued a statement saying:
"This appears to be a suicide at this stage, but we are investigating all possible angles."

Satvarov had assumed the role of Transport Minister in May 2024. Before that, he served for nearly nine years as Governor of the Kursk region. Upon his ministerial appointment, he resigned from his gubernatorial post.

When reporters at the Kremlin asked about the implications of the dismissal, Presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov responded:
"The term ‘loss of confidence’ can only be used when that is indeed the case. However, no such wording was used in the President’s statement."

The sudden dismissal and death of Satvarov has sparked widespread speculation in Russian political circles. The nation is now watching closely for updates from the ongoing investigation.