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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Telegraph
an hour ago
- Telegraph
Russia cannot lose war in Ukraine, warns China
Russia cannot afford to lose the war in Ukraine, China has warned. Wang Yi, China's foreign minister, said Beijing does not want to see a Russian loss because of fears the United States would then shift its focus on to China. The comments were made during a four-hour meeting between Mr Wang and Kaja Kallas, the vice-president of the European Commission, according to several sources who spoke to the South China Morning Post. The remarks took many by surprise as Chinese officials do not often speak this candidly, even in closed-door meetings. According to those familiar with the conversation, Mr Wang also gave Ms Kallas several 'history lessons and lectures' about realpolitik and concerns in Beijing that Washington will gradually turn its attention east. There are signs that this change is already underway as Donald Trump and Pete Hegseth, the US secretary of defence, have both made clear that security in the Indo-Pacific region and mitigating a threat from China is a top priority for the administration. China has repeatedly said that it is 'not a party' to Russia's war against Ukraine and has denied supplying weapons to Moscow, despite evidence to the contrary, including reports that it supplied Russia with a laser defence system. Mr Wang's comments are the latest sign that China has a vested interest in the outcome of the war. Following the exchange, Chinese state media reported that China has 'consistently advocated for peace talks to solve the Ukraine crisis' and welcomed the 'efforts of all parties to reach a comprehensive, lasting and binding peace agreement'. The remarks came after the US halted weapons shipments to Ukraine because of concerns that America's stockpile is too low. In a blow to Kyiv, the White House said it will ' put America's interests first following a review of the nation's military support and assistance to other countries across the globe'. While those familiar with Mr Wang's meeting with Ms Kallas said it was respectful, soon after it was reported that the upcoming two-day EU summit in China had been shortened, at Beijing's request. The original agenda had Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, and Antonio Costa, the president of the European Council, meeting with Chinese president Xi Jinping and premier Li Qiang in Beijing on July 24, then travelling to Hefei, in central China, for a business summit on July 25. Now, the summit will only be one day in Beijing. Experts suspect the reason the summit was cut short could be because of Chinese concerns that the EU will sign a trade deal with the US that would hurt Beijing. China has also recently clashed with the EU over export controls of rare earth elements and magnets, which have hit some European manufacturers hard. Mr Wang tried to offer reassurances about export controls yesterday, saying that 'certain forces are deliberately hyping this matter' and that rare earth exports have never been and should not become an issue between China and Europe. The summit's shortening seemed to be a snap decision as the EU Chamber of Commerce in China was inviting members to sign up for meetings in Hefei as late as Thursday morning local time.
The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
Russia vows ‘full-fledged relations' with Afghanistan after recognising Taliban rule
Russia has become the first nation to formally recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan since the group seized power in August 2021. The recognition followed Moscow 's decision to remove the Taliban from its list of outlawed entities and the acceptance of credentials from Afghanistan's newly appointed ambassador, Gul Hassan Hassan. Both the Russian and Afghan foreign ministries hailed the development, with Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi calling it a "historic step" and a "good example for other countries." The decision, made by president Vladimir Putin on advice from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, signifies Russia's "sincere striving for the development of full-fledged relations with Afghanistan." Despite seeking international recognition, the Taliban government has largely been isolated globally due to its strict restrictions on women and girls since its 2021 takeover.
The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
Trump says Putin ‘not looking to stop' war in Ukraine following ‘disappointing' phone call
Donald Trump warned that Vladimir Putin is not looking to stop the war with Ukraine, following a disappointing phone call between the two leaders. Speaking on Thursday, 3 July, Trump stated that his conversation with Putin made no progress towards ending the conflict. Trump claimed the conflict is ' Biden 's war' and asserted it would not have happened if he had been president. Hours after the call, Russia launched drone and missile attacks on Kyiv, injuring 23 people. Watch the video in full above.
