Russian Navy Deputy Commander Killed in Action Amid Allegations of War Crimes in Ukraine
In a tragic event unfolding on the battlefield, a high-ranking Russian military official—the deputy commander of the Russian Navy, Mikhail Gudkov—lost his life. Official reports confirm that he was killed as a result of Ukrainian defensive strikes targeting a command post within the Kursk region. This news has sent shockwaves through military circles, especially since Gudkov held the prestigious title of 'Hero of Russia' for his service. According to Oleg Kozhemyako, governor of Russia’s Primorsky Krai, Gudkov and several other servicemen perished while executing their duties in the Kursk area. This is not Gudkov’s first involvement in conflict, as he has been previously accused of complicity in war crimes, notably the execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war. His unit, the 155th Guards Marine Brigade, has been linked to numerous atrocities, including the killing of captured Ukrainian soldiers. In March 2025, Gudkov was appointed deputy commander of the Russian Navy, but his career was cut tragically short by his death in battle.