(MENAFN) Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Monday the appointment of Andrey Sergeyevich Nikitin as the acting Minister of Transport, following the removal of Roman Starovoyt from the position.

During a meeting with Nikitin, Putin stated, “Andrey Sergeyevich (Nikitin), I would like to invite you to take another step forward on your career ladder and work as the acting Minister of Transport of the Russian Federation,” as shown in a video released by the Kremlin.

Putin revealed his plan to propose Nikitin’s nomination to the State Duma, Russia’s lower parliamentary chamber. If the lawmakers approve, Putin will then formalize Nikitin's appointment with an official decree.

He also expressed hope that Nikitin would dedicate all his efforts, expertise, skills, and organizational talents to addressing the key challenges facing the ministry.

This decision followed Putin’s signing of an executive order dismissing Starovoyt, who had held the ministerial role for only a year since May 2024.

No explanation was given for his departure.

At a press conference, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov clarified that Starovoyt's removal was not due to a “loss of trust.”

Peskov added that Putin believes Nikitin’s “working qualities and work experience” are presently the best fit for the ministry’s requirements.

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