Thu Jul 03 12:59:01 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Major General Mikhail Gudkov, the deputy head of the Russian Navy and former commander of a marine brigade, was killed in action on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, in the Kursk region of Russia. Unofficial reports indicate he was killed in a Ukrainian missile attack on a command post. Gudkov, a recipient of a top military honor from President Putin, was in charge of the navy’s coastal and land forces. Ukraine has accused him of war crimes, which Russia denies. Mourners in Vladivostok have paid tribute to Gudkov, celebrating him as a military hero.

**News Article:**

**Senior Russian Navy Officer Killed in Action Amid Ukraine Conflict**

**Moscow – July 3, 2025** – Major General Mikhail Gudkov, the deputy head of the Russian Navy and a former commander of a marine brigade that fought against Ukraine, has been killed in action, the Russian military announced Thursday.

Gudkov, 42, was reportedly killed on Wednesday “during combat work” in the Kursk region, which borders Ukraine, according to a statement from the Defense Ministry. Unconfirmed reports from Telegram channels suggest he was killed in a Ukrainian missile strike on a command post using a U.S.-supplied HIMARS system.

As head of the navy’s coastal and land forces, including marine units, Gudkov was one of the highest-ranking Russian officers to die since the commencement of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He had been honored by President Vladimir Putin earlier this year.

Ukraine has yet to officially comment on the report. However, Kyiv has previously accused Gudkov of war crimes, allegations strongly refuted by Moscow.

In Vladivostok, Russia, mourners have laid flowers at an exhibition featuring Gudkov’s portrait, honoring him as a military hero. The governor of the Primorsky region, Oleg Kozhemyako, expressed his condolences, stating that Gudkov was killed “carrying out his duty as an officer.”

The loss of General Gudkov represents a significant blow to the Russian military as the conflict in Ukraine continues.

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