Major General Mikhail Gudkov, the deputy head of the Russian Navy, has been killed in the western Kursk region near Ukraine’s border. Russia’s defence ministry confirmed his death, stating only that it occurred during “combat work” without providing further details. Gudkov, appointed by President Vladimir Putin in March, was previously commander of the 155th Naval Infantry Brigade of the Pacific Fleet.
The incident, which marks one of the most significant Russian military losses since the invasion of Ukraine began in 2022, also claimed the lives of ten others, according to Oleg Kozhemyako, governor of Russia’s Primorsky region. Kozhemyako praised Gudkov as a dedicated officer who died in the line of duty.
Unverified reports from military-linked Telegram channels allege that the group was killed in a Ukrainian missile strike on a command post near Korenevo, approximately 30km from the Ukrainian border. Ukraine has not commented, in line with its standard policy on cross-border strikes.
Footage from Vladivostok shows mourners paying tribute at a memorial to Gudkov, who received Russia’s highest honour—the Gold Star medal—from Putin in February.
This event follows a series of targeted attacks on high-ranking figures from both sides. In December 2024, Ukrainian sources claimed responsibility for the killing of General Igor Kirillov. Earlier this year, General Yaroslav Moskalik died in a car bombing in Moscow, with the Kremlin blaming Ukrainian operatives.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high in Ukraine. A missile strike on Odesa killed two and injured six, while an earlier attack on an army recruitment centre in Poltava left two dead and nearly 50 wounded.
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