Top Russian Naval Commander Killed in Ukraine Strike on Kursk – Moscow Confirms

Russia’s military has confirmed the death of one of its top-ranking naval officers, Mikhail Gudkov, in what appears to be a targeted Ukrainian strike in the Kursk region, near the border with Ukraine. The 42-year-old deputy head of the Russian navy is among the highest-profile commanders to be killed since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began over three years ago.

According to a statement carried by Russia’s state-run RIA news agency, Gudkov died during “combat operations” on Wednesday. Though the Kremlin has not publicly detailed the circumstances of his death, several unofficial Russian and Ukrainian military sources suggest he was killed during a Ukrainian missile attack on a command post in the region.

Gudkov was appointed deputy chief of the Russian navy by President Vladimir Putin in March 2025. Prior to that, he had led the elite 155th Guards Naval Infantry Brigade, part of Russia’s Pacific Fleet based in the Far East.

The governor of Primorye region, Oleg Kozhemyako, expressed condolences, calling Gudkov a commander who “never shied away from the front lines,” even after rising to one of the highest naval positions.

Kursk, a Russian region bordering northeastern Ukraine, has seen heavy fighting since Ukrainian forces launched a surprise incursion in August 2024. While Moscow claimed it regained full control of the area in April, sporadic clashes and attacks have continued.

The news of Gudkov’s death coincided with Russia’s announcement that it had taken control of two eastern Ukrainian villages — Razine and Milove. Ukrainian military officials did not confirm these claims but said their troops are “firmly holding defensive positions” in the region.

Meanwhile, in southern Ukraine, a deadly Russian airstrike struck port facilities in Odesa, killing two people, according to local authorities. The missile reportedly carried cluster munitions, which are widely condemned for their risk to civilians.

On the diplomatic front, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was in Denmark on Thursday, as Copenhagen took over the rotating presidency of the European Union. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen pledged strong support for Ukraine’s EU accession bid, vowing her country would “do everything possible” to advance Kyiv’s path to membership.

During his visit, Zelenskyy also announced a new agreement with U.S.-based defense company Swift Beat to manufacture hundreds of thousands of drones in 2025 a major push to bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression.



By WafricNews Desk.