2025-07-03T13:21:00Z

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Moscow has confirmed the death of Major General Mikhail Gudkov, a deputy commander of the Russian navy, who previously led one of the military’s most notorious brigades. His death occurred during a Ukrainian missile attack on a field headquarters located in the Kursk region, close to the frontline with Ukraine, which took place on Tuesday. Reports suggest that the position may have been compromised due to inadequate security measures.

Oleg Kozhemyako, the governor of Primorsky Krai in Russia’s far east, expressed his condolences, stating that Gudkov died “performing his duty as an officer alongside his fellow soldiers.” He also emphasized Gudkov's commitment to his men, noting that despite holding a high rank, the general frequently visited the frontline positions of the marines under his command.

Major General Gudkov had recently been promoted by President Vladimir Putin in March. He was known for leading the 155th marine brigade, a frontline unit that has faced significant losses, necessitating its repeated reconstitution due to the high number of casualties among its members. This brigade has been involved in several critical operations since the onset of the conflict, including the ill-fated assault on Kyiv in the spring of 2022 and the ongoing offensives in Vuhledar in early 2023.

According to reports from the Russian Telegram channel, MiG 41, unofficial sources suggest that the Ukrainian forces may have been tipped off about the base's location either by a mole within the ranks or through intercepted communications from marines who contacted family and friends in Vladivostok during the city’s day celebrations. This communication lapse might have been critical in identifying the target.

The missile strike reportedly involved at least four missiles aimed at the base, which is situated near the village of Korenevo, approximately 19 miles (30 kilometers) from the frontline. This attack resulted in the death of several other senior officers stationed at the headquarters, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by high-ranking military personnel in the region.

The 155th brigade, once considered an elite unit, has faced severe accusations from Ukrainian authorities regarding war crimes, including the execution of nine Ukrainian prisoners of war in the Kursk region last summer. A captured Russian marine had previously disclosed that he witnessed the killing of two other PoWs in the same area, adding to the unit's controversial reputation.

Meanwhile, as the conflict continues to escalate, Ukraine reported that three people were killed and 34 others injured as a result of Russian airstrikes across various parts of the country on Thursday. The Ukrainian air force announced that it successfully intercepted or jammed 40 out of 52 Shahed and dummy drones launched by Moscow’s forces.

In a broader context, tensions surrounding military support for Ukraine were highlighted earlier this week when it was revealed that the United States had put a pause on the delivery of Patriot air defense missile interceptors and other precision weapons to Ukraine, citing concerns over the adequacy of Ukraine's current military stockpiles. Notably, former President Donald Trump mentioned last month that Patriot missiles had been allocated to Israel to bolster its defenses against Iran.

On Friday, a meeting is anticipated between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the ongoing military support situation. Zelenskyy underscored the urgency of ensuring adequate protection for the Ukrainian populace, stating that “one way or another, we must ensure protection for our people.”