Fired

Russia's transport minister has been sacked and apparently shot himself, although the order in which these events occurred remains as yet unclear. If he was dismissed after committing suicide, it would be a tribute either to Russia's quasi-British efficiency levels or to Tsar Vladimir's talent for rubbing it in. The sacking may have been connected with disruption to the air transport network resulting from an exchange of drone strikes with Ukraine at the weekend; while the suicide may have been connected with Russia's lack of a proper disposal system for non-viable political careers, such as the House of Lords.