Ukrainian missile strike kills high-ranking Russian Naval Officer
Gudkov was killed early yesterday in a pinpoint Ukrainian missile strike on Korenevo in Russia's Kursk region, making him one of the highest ranking military officials to be killed by Ukraine, Russis's defence ministry confirmed. Primorye Region Governor Oleg Kozhemyako wrote of the news of Gudkov's death in a Telegram post: 'I express my deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fellow servicemen of Mikhail Gudkov, Nariman Shikhaliyev, and all other fighters who were killed in the Kursk Region.' Four out of eight missiles were reportedly downed by Russian air defences, but the others hit their marks.
Some 50,000 Russians troops are massed at the border, in a development Donald Trump said this week he was watching 'very closely'. Obituaries say Gudkov died with his troops 'in combat action'. Flowers were being laid today for Gudkov in Vladivostok, Russia's Pacific capital, in Primorsky region, home of the 155th Marine Brigade which has played a key role in Putin's illegal invasion of Ukraine.
At a meeting in Russian Arctic capital Murmansk in March, Putin promoted Gudkov who had been picked out as a high-flying military talent. Putin told him: 'I have made the decision to transfer you to a new position and increase the level of your responsibility. 'You are being appointed Deputy Commander of the Naval Forces of the Russian Federation.' Gudkov replied: 'Aye, Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief.'
In October 2023, then a Colonel, he had received the Gold Star of the Hero of Russia honour and an award pistol for 'courage, heroism and skilful command of subordinate units' for his war service.
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