Russian President Vladimir Putin did not attend the funeral of the former transport minister, whose death was revealed three days ago. No condolences or comments were issued. The funeral of former Transport Minister Starovoit was held at a Moscow hospital on the 10th, attended by several ministers, but Putin was absent. Press Secretary Peskov stated, “The president does not attend every funeral.” Former Transport Minister Starovoit was found dead in Moscow just hours after it was revealed he had been dismissed by Putin on the 7th. Authorities are investigating the incident as a suicide by gunshot. This marks the first time in Russian history that an active or recently resigned minister has died by suicide, yet neither Putin nor Kremlin officials have issued any condolences. Additionally, state-run Russian news agency retracted its report about Putin sending a wreath hours after publication. Former Minister Starovoit had been under scrutiny for potential corruption charges related to defense equipment in Kursk.
