Putin's Navy second-in-command is KILLED in devastating Ukrainian missile blitz in Kursk while plotting fresh invasion
The Hero of
Russia
, Major General Mikhail Gudkov, 42, was killed in a missile strike in Kursk.
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Maj-Gen Mikhail Gudkov, 42, has been eliminated by a targeted Ukrainian strike
Credit: East2West
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Rescue workers in Poltava, Ukraine, on Thursday following a Russian strike which killed at least two
Credit: Getty
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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'.
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Gudkov was the second-most senior figure in the navy and thought to be key to Russia's upcoming invasion of Sumy
Credit: East2West
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Putin had awarded the commander for his courage and heroism
Credit: AFP
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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.
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'You are being appointed Deputy Commander of the Naval Forces of the Russian Federation.'
Gudkov replied: 'Aye, Comrade Supreme Commander-in-Chief.'
Read more on the Irish Sun
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.
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A rescuer works at a site of a Russian drone strike in Dnipro
Credit: Reuters
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Gudkov was one of Russia's youngest commanders and a rising military star
Credit: East2West
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