MAJOR GENERAL AND TEN OTHERS KILLED IN UKRAINIAN MISSILE STRIKE ON RUSSIAN UNIT IN KURSK REGION
A powerful Ukrainian missile strike on July 2, 2025, targeted a Russian military command post in Kursk Oblast, killing Major General Mikhail Yevgenyevich Gudkov, the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, along with at least ten other servicemen. The attack hit near Korenevo, approximately 30 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, marking one of the most significant Ukrainian operations inside Russian territory since the start of the war.
According to Russian sources, the strike was carried out with HIMARS long-range precision rockets, supplied to Ukraine by the United States. Ukrainian intelligence reportedly identified the temporary command site, where Gudkov and several senior officers were holding a planning session. The missiles struck with deadly accuracy, collapsing the structure and killing much of the assembled leadership team. Among the dead were several high-ranking officers from the 155th Guards Naval Infantry Brigade, a unit with a controversial record in the conflict.
Major General Gudkov, aged 42, was one of the youngest senior officers in Russia’s armed forces. Promoted to Deputy Commander of the Navy in March 2025, he had been decorated twice as a Hero of the Russian Federation. Before his appointment, he commanded the 155th Brigade, which had been deployed in key battles, including the siege of Mariupol. Gudkov was known for personally visiting front-line positions, a practice that earned him respect among his troops but also exposed him to higher risks.
The strike represents a major tactical and symbolic blow to Russia. Losing a senior commander inside its own territory underscores Ukraine’s expanding reach and the sophistication of its intelligence-gathering operations. Analysts note that such a precise hit suggests the use of intercepted communications or insider information, enabling Kyiv to target the Russian leadership meeting at the exact time of assembly.
Russian authorities acknowledged Gudkov’s death and announced a day of mourning for naval forces. The Kremlin awarded him a posthumous third Hero of the Federation medal, while state media praised his “personal courage and sacrifice.” However, the incident sparked criticism within Russian military circles about operational security and the vulnerability of high-ranking officers in forward areas.
For Ukraine, the attack is seen as part of a broader campaign to degrade Russia’s command structure. Since 2022, Ukrainian forces have successfully targeted several generals and senior officers, but Gudkov’s death stands out due to his prominence and the location of the strike well inside Russian borders. It also signals Ukraine’s intent to take the fight beyond the front line, hitting command hubs that coordinate operations in Sumy and northeastern Ukraine.
The international reaction has been cautious. Western officials refrained from confirming details but highlighted Ukraine’s right to defend itself against Russian aggression. In Russia, the strike intensified calls for enhanced air defense along the border and stricter protocols to protect senior leadership.
This incident adds to the growing list of senior officer losses Russia has faced in the conflict and exposes ongoing challenges in safeguarding its command network. The Kursk strike is likely to influence Russian military planning and could shift how and where high-level meetings are held, as the threat of Ukrainian deep strikes becomes increasingly real.