Ukraine has reportedly killed Major General Mikhail Gudkov, the deputy commander-in-chief of the Russian Navy, marking one of the most high-profile Russian military casualties since the onset of the full-scale war in 2022.
According to CNN, Gudkov was killed in combat in Russia’s Kursk region. The announcement came from Oleg Kozhemyako, governor of Russia’s far eastern Primorsky region.
Gudkov, a prominent military leader, also commanded the 155th Naval Infantry Brigade, a unit heavily involved in Russia’s war effort against Ukraine. His death makes him one of the highest-ranking Russian officers to be killed in the conflict to date.
In a statement quoted by CNN, Governor Kozhemyako described Gudkov as a “strong-willed warrior” who “died fulfilling his duty alongside his fellow soldiers.” He declined to provide specific details about the circumstances of the general’s death.
Kozhemyako had previously honored Gudkov with medals for bravery and spoke of a long-standing relationship with him.
The Russian Ministry of Defence confirmed Gudkov’s death on Thursday, stating that he was killed in combat operations in the Kursk region. As of now, Ukrainian authorities have not issued an official response.
President Vladimir Putin had appointed Gudkov as the Navy’s deputy chief in charge of coastal and ground forces in March. At the time, Putin emphasized the importance of transferring Gudkov to a leadership position with greater responsibilities, citing his experience as a model for other units.
Accusations of War Crimes
Major General Gudkov had also been under scrutiny from Ukrainian authorities, who accused him and members of the 155th brigade of committing war crimes during the early stages of the conflict. These allegations include the killing of civilians in Bucha, Irpin, and Gostomel—areas that drew global condemnation for atrocities committed during the initial Russian invasion.
Kyiv further claims that Gudkov’s unit was involved in the execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war, in violation of the Geneva Convention. Russia, however, has consistently denied all allegations of war crimes throughout the conflict, with both sides continuing to trade accusations since 2022.
