The Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, Guards Maj. Gen. Mikhail Gudkov, has been killed by Ukraine in Russia’s Kursk region. As reported by CNN, this significant loss was announced by Oleg Kozhemyako, governor of Russia’s Primorsky region, and later confirmed by Russia’s Ministry of Defense, which stated Gudkov died in combat. His death marks one of the highest-ranking Russian officers to be killed since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began three years ago. Kozhemyako, who had previously awarded Gudkov for bravery, lauded him as a “strong-willed warrior” who died “performing his duty as an officer,” though he offered no further details on the circumstances of Gudkov’s death. Ukraine has yet to comment on the incident.
Gudkov’s recent appointment by President Vladimir Putin in March as deputy chief of the Russian Navy for coastal and ground forces highlighted his rising prominence; Putin himself had emphasized the need to “replicate” Gudkov’s experience in other units. However, this high-ranking officer also carried a controversial past. The Ukrainian military had previously accused Gudkov and his former 155th brigade of committing war crimes in Ukraine, specifically pointing to the killing of civilians in towns like Bucha, Irpin, and Gostomel during the early stages of the conflict. Additionally, the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine alleged the 155th brigade was involved in the execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war. Despite evidence compiled by Ukrainian and international investigators, Russia has consistently denied committing war crimes in Ukraine.
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