Major General Mikhail Gudkov, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, was killed in combat near the Ukrainian border, marking one of the highest-level military casualties Moscow has suffered since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russian officials confirmed Thursday.
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that Gudkov was killed on Wednesday "during combat work in one of the border districts of Kursk region." Oleg Kozhemyako, governor of the Primorsky region, where Gudkov previously served, described the late officer as a "strong-willed warrior" who "died while performing his duty as an officer together with his fellow soldiers."
Unofficial Telegram channels tied to both Russian and Ukrainian military sources reported that Gudkov, 42, was killed in a Ukrainian HIMARS missile strike on a Russian command post in the Kursk region. Reuters noted it could not independently verify the circumstances of his death. The Ukrainian government has not issued a public statement.
Gudkov, whose call sign was "Viking," had commanded Russia's 155th Marine Brigade and was recently promoted by President Vladimir Putin to oversee the Navy's coastal and ground units. In March, Putin said, "Since the minister and the Chief of the General Staff believe that your experience needs to be replicated in other units, I have decided to transfer you to a position-to increase your level of responsibility."
His appointment came amid growing concern within Russia's military ranks over battlefield performance and operational transparency. A popular Russian military blogger, writing under the name "Romanov Light," claimed Gudkov was respected for relaying the true situation on the front lines to higher command, rather than concealing unfavorable reports.
In Vladivostok, the home base of Russia's Pacific Fleet, citizens placed flowers beneath Gudkov's portrait displayed in a public exhibition of decorated officers. A video tribute circulated online included footage of Gudkov receiving military honors and leading troops on the battlefield.
Gudkov is one of at least a dozen senior Russian officers reported killed since the start of the conflict. His former brigade, the 155th, has been accused by Ukrainian and international investigators of participating in war crimes, including the execution of civilians in Bucha, Irpin, and Gostomel. Ukraine's State Border Guard Service has also alleged that the brigade was involved in the killing of prisoners of war. Russia denies these allegations.
Kursk, which borders Ukraine's Sumy region, was briefly overrun by Ukrainian forces during a surprise offensive in August 2024. Moscow has since declared the area under Russian control, though fighting near the border continues.
