Major General Mikhail Gudkov, deputy head of the Russian Navy and a decorated marine commander, has been killed in action, according to a statement released by Russia’s Defence Ministry on Thursday.
Gudkov, 42, died on Wednesday while "carrying out combat duties in one of the border districts of Kursk region," the ministry said. His death marks one of the highest-ranking Russian military losses since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.

Unofficial reports from Russian and Ukrainian military-linked Telegram channels suggest Gudkov was killed in a Ukrainian missile strike on a command post in the Kursk region, likely involving a U.S.-supplied HIMARS system. These reports also claim multiple officers and soldiers were killed in the attack. Reuters has not independently confirmed these details.

Known by his call sign "Viking," Gudkov was recently honored in February by Russian President Vladimir Putin for his military service. He had been appointed deputy commander-in-chief of the navy in March 2025 and oversaw Russia’s coastal and land-based naval forces, including elite marine units.

Some Russian military bloggers believe Gudkov had taken direct command of marine operations in the Sumy region of northeastern Ukraine, which borders Kursk. His presence on the front lines was seen as a reflection of his hands-on leadership style.

Oleg Kozhemyako, governor of the Primorsky region where Gudkov previously led a marine brigade, confirmed the general’s death in a Telegram post. “He died fulfilling his duty as an officer,” Kozhemyako wrote, offering condolences to the families of all those killed. The post included footage of Gudkov receiving military honors and clips of him on the battlefield, set to patriotic music.

A public memorial featuring Gudkov’s portrait has been set up in Vladivostok, home to the Pacific Fleet, where mourners have left flowers in tribute. Gudkov had previously commanded a marine brigade from the Pacific Fleet that was deployed to Ukraine and also saw action in Kursk.

Russian military blogger "Romanov Light" described Gudkov as one of the most respected and capable commanders in the armed forces—someone known for his honesty in reporting battlefield realities to superiors.

The Ukrainian government has not commented on the strike but has previously accused Gudkov and his units of committing war crimes—allegations denied by Moscow.

Gudkov is among at least 11 senior Russian commanders reportedly killed or assassinated since the war began, highlighting the ongoing intensity and reach of Ukraine’s military operations, including across the Russian border.

Kursk region, a frequent target of Ukrainian strikes, briefly saw parts of its territory captured by Ukrainian forces during a surprise offensive in August 2024, before Moscow claimed to have regained full control.

Source: Reuters