Deputy commander of Russia's navy is killed in Ukrainian missile strike - one of Putin's highest-ranked military officials to die
Major General Mikhail Gudkov, 42, promoted in March by Vladimir Putin to deputy commander of the Russian Navy, was slain early on Wednesday.
The general was a decorated Hero of Russia and his loss is a massive blow to Putin who had personally entrusted him with command over the Marine Infantry, as well as all missile and artillery coastal forces. He retained command of the Pacific Fleet's 155th Naval Infantry Brigade.
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.
The strike hit a 'forward command post' when the general was meeting with other high ranked troops.
Reports at the time said ten had died including 'many senior officers'. Later reports indicated a dozen had perished, and that the eventual toll may be higher.
The strike was 11 miles from the border with Ukraine amid suspicions Gudkov was involved in Putin plane to invade Sumy region in the coming weeks.
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.
He was personally awarded by then defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.
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The Independent
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