Russian Navy Deputy Commander Killed in Missile Strike

Major General Mikhail Gudkov, deputy commander-in-chief of the Russian Navy and a highly decorated officer recently promoted by President Putin, was killed on July 2, 2025, in a Ukrainian missile strike while meeting with other senior officers at a forward command post in Russia’s Kursk region near the Ukrainian border. Multiple high-ranking Russian officers died in the attack, which is considered a significant blow to Russian military leadership. Gudkov, formerly commander of the 155th Naval Infantry Brigade, is accused by Ukraine of involvement in war crimes in Bucha, allegations denied by Moscow. The strike occurred as Russia massed tens of thousands of troops near the Sumy border for a possible offensive. The incident also comes as the U.S. paused some weapons deliveries to Ukraine, causing concern among Kyiv and NATO allies about ongoing Western support. Fighting remains intense in the border regions, with both sides reporting continued operations.