Major General Mikhail Gudkov, the Deputy Chief of the Russian Navy and a prominent brigade commander, was killed in a Ukrainian missile strike on a Russian command post in the Kursk region, according to regional governor Oleg Kozhemyako. Gudkov’s death marks one of the highest-ranking Russian military fatalities since the start of the full-scale war against Ukraine in 2022.
The incident reportedly took place in the town of Korenevo, near the Ukrainian border, where Gudkov was said to be overseeing frontline operations. Telegram channels linked to both Russian and Ukrainian military sources indicated that the strike resulted in the deaths of at least 10 other Russian servicemen.
Governor Kozhemyako confirmed Gudkov’s death, stating that the officer had been “carrying out his duty” and remained active in the field even after being promoted to a top naval leadership position. “When he became Deputy Chief of the Navy, he did not stop personally visiting the positions of our marines,” Kozhemyako wrote in a statement on Telegram, offering condolences to the families of those killed.
Appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin as Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Navy in March 2025, Gudkov had previously led a Marine Brigade under Russia’s Pacific Fleet. His unit had been deployed in the volatile Kursk region, which briefly fell under Ukrainian control during a surprise offensive in August 2024 before being retaken by Russian forces.
Gudkov had been decorated for his actions in Ukraine but was also accused of war crimes by Kyiv. Despite his seniority, he maintained a frontline presence, which likely contributed to his vulnerability during the targeted strike.
There has been no official statement from the Russian Ministry of Defence or from Ukrainian authorities regarding the attack.
The death of such a high-ranking officer highlights the continuing intensity of the conflict and Ukraine’s ability to strike deep within Russian-held territory, particularly at strategic command and control sites.
