Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the appointment of Andrey Sergeyevich Nikitin as the acting transport minister of Russia, succeeding Roman Starovoyt. This decision follows the removal of Starovoyt from the post, a position he had held since May 2024.

According to Anadolu Agency, during a meeting with Nikitin, Putin expressed his intention to advance Nikitin's candidacy to the State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament. Should the lawmakers support the candidacy, Putin plans to sign the decree for Nikitin's final appointment.

Putin emphasized the importance of the role, urging Nikitin to utilize his skills and organizational abilities to address the pressing tasks within the transport sector. This leadership change follows Putin's executive order dismissing Starovoyt, though no specific reason for the dismissal was disclosed.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov clarified that Starovoyt's dismissal was not due to a "loss of trust." Peskov further stated that Putin considers Nikitin's professional qualities and experience to be well-suited to the ministry's current needs.

Nikitin, who has been serving as the deputy transport minister since February, previously held the position of governor in Russia's northwestern Novgorod region. He expressed his commitment to advancing the country's transport industry, taking the new role as both an honor and a responsibility.