"Admiral Mikhail Evgenievich Gudkov, deputy commander of the navy in charge of naval infantry and coastal forces, was killed on 2/7 while performing a combat mission in a border area of Kursk province," the Russian Defense Ministry said today.

Deputy Navy Commander Mikhail Gudkov. Photo: Russian Defense Ministry

Deputy Navy Commander Mikhail Gudkov. Photo: Russian Defense Ministry

Primorye Governor Oleg Kozhemyako earlier said Gudkov was killed alongside fellow soldiers and offered condolences to their families. "He was a strong-willed warrior, always dedicated to the navy. Even as deputy commander, Mikhail Gudkov frequently visited the naval infantry's combat positions himself," he said.

Born in the Novosibirsk region, Gudkov graduated from the Novosibirsk Higher Military Command School. He was awarded the title Hero of Russia in late 2023 for "bravery and skillful leadership."

He commanded the 155th Guards Naval Infantry Brigade of the Pacific Fleet and participated in the campaign to repel Ukrainian forces from Kursk province from mid-2024 to early this year. Gudkov was appointed deputy commander of the Russian Navy, responsible for naval infantry and coastal forces, in March.

Nhu Tam (Reuters, TASS)