A high-ranking Russian naval officer, Major General Mikhail Evgenievich Gudkov, was killed during combat operations in the Kursk region on July 2, 2025, amid ongoing fighting near the Russia-Ukraine border.
Gudkov, who was 42 years old and had served in the military since 2000, was awarded the Kremlin’s highest honor, the title “Hero of the Russian Federation,” by President Vladimir Putin in 2023. As deputy commander of the Russian navy and former commander of the 155th Guards Naval Infantry Brigade of the Pacific Fleet, Gudkov was known for his strong leadership and dedication, often visiting marine positions personally despite his high rank.
His death marks one of the most senior Russian military losses since the start of Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Ukrainian forces had captured significant parts of the Kursk region during a surprise offensive last year, although Russia claimed to have fully regained control in April; however, clashes in the border area have persisted. Officials, including Oleg Kozhemyako, head of the Primorye region, praised Gudkov as a committed and courageous officer who died fulfilling his duties.
