A Ukrainian strike in Russia’s Kursk region has killed a decorated Russian naval commander, Oleg Gudkov, according to officials. The incident is the latest high-ranking general to be killed by Ukraine since the war began.
Gudkov was a prominent figure in the Russian navy, commanding the 155th Marine Brigade before being appointed as deputy commander. He died “while performing his duty” as an officer, according to the governor of Primorye region.
The death marks another blow to Russia’s high-ranking military officers, with at least 12 generals killed since 2022. Ukraine has claimed responsibility for Gudkov’s death, while Russian officials have welcomed the U.S. decision to pause military aid to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged continued U.S. support, saying he hopes to speak with former US President Donald Trump about the issue soon. The United States has paused delivery of previously promised equipment, including air defense systems and missiles.
Russia’s summer offensive against Ukraine is underway, and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov sees the pause in military aid as a positive development for Russia.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/07/03/russia-navy-commander-gudkov-kursk