Putin's Navy second-in-command is KILLED in devastating Ukrainian missile blitz in Kursk while plotting fresh invasion
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
UKRAINE killed the deputy commander of Russia's navy who was plotting a new invasion.
The Hero of Russia, Major General Mikhail Gudkov, 42, was killed in a missile strike in Kursk.
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
7
Maj-Gen Mikhail Gudkov, 42, has been eliminated by a targeted Ukrainian strike
Credit: East2West
7
Rescue workers in Poltava, Ukraine, on Thursday following a Russian strike which killed at least two
Credit: Getty
7
Gudkov, circled, being personally promoted by Putin in March to deputy head of the navy
Credit: East2West
Some 50,000 Russian troops have massed nearby ahead of a feared assault on Sumy.
Gudkov was killed in a command post 11 miles from the Ukrainian border on Wednesday.
It comes hours after claims that America had suspended weapons shipments to Ukraine.
The general was a decorated Hero of Russia and his loss is a huge blow to Putin, who had personally entrusted him with command over the Marine Infantry.
Gudkov also oversaw all missile and artillery coastal forces, and had specific control of the Pacific Fleet's key 155th Naval Infantry Brigade.
Reports say Gudkov was killed early on Wednesday in a pinpoint Ukrainian missile strike on Korenevo, in Russia's Kursk region.
Four out of eight missiles were downed by Russian air defences, but the others squarely hit their marks.
There are indications that Ukraine was working off excellent intelligence about the movements and locations of Putin's senior commanders.
The strike hit a 'forward command post' 11 miles from the border with Ukraine, where the general was meeting with other high-ranking troops.
Numerous "senior officers' were reported to be among roughly a dozen killed in the blitz - though the toll may climb.
Ukrainian forces BLOW UP ammunition depot in another setback for Putin
Gudkov was suspected to be involved in Putin's plan for a fresh invasion of the Sumy region - expected in the coming weeks.
Vlad's forces are likely to target the strategic Sumy city in particular.
Some 50,000 Russians troops are massed at the border - a development Donald Trump said he was watching 'very closely' this week.
Obituaries in Russia say Gudkov died with his troops 'in combat action'.
7
Gudkov was the second-most senior figure in the navy and thought to be key to Russia's upcoming invasion of Sumy
Credit: East2West
7
Putin had awarded the commander for his courage and heroism
Credit: AFP
Flowers were being laid on Thursday for the eliminated commander in Vladivostok, Putin's Pacific capital, as Russia mourns one of its rising military stars.
The city is home to the 155th Marine Brigade which has played a key role in Putin's invasion.
At a meeting in Russian Arctic capital Murmansk in March, Putin promoted Gudkov - who was being hot-housed up the ranks.
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, Gudjov received the Gold Star of the Hero of Russia honour and a pistol awarded for "courage, heroism and skillful command of subordinate units".
The award was personally bestowed by then defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.
7
A rescuer works at a site of a Russian drone strike in Dnipro
Credit: Reuters
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Glasgow Times
12 minutes ago
- Glasgow Times
Starmer and Macron to host coalition of the willing meeting next week
The Prime Minister and France's leader will dial into a meeting with allies on Thursday, as Mr Macron makes his first state visit to the UK, it is understood. Britain and France have led efforts to establish the coalition, a peacekeeping force aimed at policing any future ceasefire deal in Ukraine, and deterring further threats by Russia. The effectiveness of the coalition has been called into question, as only London and Paris have so far indicated they would provide frontline soldiers towards it. President Donald Trump speaks with reporters as he arrives on Air Force One, Friday, July 4, 2025, at Joint Base Andrews, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) The peacekeeping mission would also be predicated on American air support, something which US President Donald Trump has been unwilling to openly say he would provide. Russia launched a massive barrage of drone strikes on Kyiv overnight, reportedly the largest since the war began. Some 550 drones and missiles were fired at Ukraine in the strikes, with the capital Kyiv the primary target. At least 23 people were injured, with 14 taken to hospital, according to the city's mayor Vitali Klitschko. The strikes came hours after Mr Trump held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, pushing him to accept a truce. No 10 said the continued Russia strikes were 'clear evidence that Putin was not serious about peace', as it condemned them. The Russian strike on Kyiv was reportedly one of the biggest of the war (AP Photo/Yehor Konovalov) A Downing Street spokesman added: 'Since Ukraine agreed to an unconditional ceasefire over four months ago, 700 civilians have been killed, more than 3,000 injured, 'We are, alongside our allies, absolutely united in support of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. We are clear that must start with a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire.' The UK's immediate focus is 'stepping up our support Ukraine, ratcheting up the pressure on Russia', he said. Mr Trump has halted some shipments of critical weapons to Kyiv in recent days, including those used for air defences. Ukraine has warned the move will prevent it from defending against Russian air strikes.
Rhyl Journal
14 minutes ago
- Rhyl Journal
Starmer and Macron to host coalition of the willing meeting next week
The Prime Minister and France's leader will dial into a meeting with allies on Thursday, as Mr Macron makes his first state visit to the UK, it is understood. Britain and France have led efforts to establish the coalition, a peacekeeping force aimed at policing any future ceasefire deal in Ukraine, and deterring further threats by Russia. The effectiveness of the coalition has been called into question, as only London and Paris have so far indicated they would provide frontline soldiers towards it. The peacekeeping mission would also be predicated on American air support, something which US President Donald Trump has been unwilling to openly say he would provide. Russia launched a massive barrage of drone strikes on Kyiv overnight, reportedly the largest since the war began. Some 550 drones and missiles were fired at Ukraine in the strikes, with the capital Kyiv the primary target. At least 23 people were injured, with 14 taken to hospital, according to the city's mayor Vitali Klitschko. The strikes came hours after Mr Trump held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, pushing him to accept a truce. No 10 said the continued Russia strikes were 'clear evidence that Putin was not serious about peace', as it condemned them. A Downing Street spokesman added: 'Since Ukraine agreed to an unconditional ceasefire over four months ago, 700 civilians have been killed, more than 3,000 injured, 'We are, alongside our allies, absolutely united in support of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. We are clear that must start with a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire.' The UK's immediate focus is 'stepping up our support Ukraine, ratcheting up the pressure on Russia', he said. Mr Trump has halted some shipments of critical weapons to Kyiv in recent days, including those used for air defences. Ukraine has warned the move will prevent it from defending against Russian air strikes.
North Wales Chronicle
24 minutes ago
- North Wales Chronicle
Starmer and Macron to host coalition of the willing meeting next week
The Prime Minister and France's leader will dial into a meeting with allies on Thursday, as Mr Macron makes his first state visit to the UK, it is understood. Britain and France have led efforts to establish the coalition, a peacekeeping force aimed at policing any future ceasefire deal in Ukraine, and deterring further threats by Russia. The effectiveness of the coalition has been called into question, as only London and Paris have so far indicated they would provide frontline soldiers towards it. The peacekeeping mission would also be predicated on American air support, something which US President Donald Trump has been unwilling to openly say he would provide. Russia launched a massive barrage of drone strikes on Kyiv overnight, reportedly the largest since the war began. Some 550 drones and missiles were fired at Ukraine in the strikes, with the capital Kyiv the primary target. At least 23 people were injured, with 14 taken to hospital, according to the city's mayor Vitali Klitschko. The strikes came hours after Mr Trump held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, pushing him to accept a truce. No 10 said the continued Russia strikes were 'clear evidence that Putin was not serious about peace', as it condemned them. A Downing Street spokesman added: 'Since Ukraine agreed to an unconditional ceasefire over four months ago, 700 civilians have been killed, more than 3,000 injured, 'We are, alongside our allies, absolutely united in support of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. We are clear that must start with a full, immediate and unconditional ceasefire.' The UK's immediate focus is 'stepping up our support Ukraine, ratcheting up the pressure on Russia', he said. Mr Trump has halted some shipments of critical weapons to Kyiv in recent days, including those used for air defences. Ukraine has warned the move will prevent it from defending against Russian air strikes.
