CNN
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The deputy chief of the Russian navy was killed by Ukraine in the Kursk region of Russia, Oleg Kozhemiako, governor of the Primorsky region of the Russian Far East, said on Thursday.
Major General Mikhail Gudkov, deputy commander of the Russian Navy who led the brigades fought in Ukraine, was killed in the Russian border area where he successfully invaded Ukraine last year.
He is one of Russia’s highest ranked officers killed since the start of a full-scale Ukraine invasion three years ago.
Kozhemyako previously bravely handed the Gudkov Awards, saying that the two had spoken a lot in a statement announcing their deaths over the years.
He described Gudkov as a “strong-willed warrior.” The “strong-willed warrior” said he “died while performing his duties as an officer along with his fellow soldiers.” Kozhemyako did not provide further details regarding the circumstances of Gudkov’s death.
Russia’s Ministry of Defense confirmed Gudkov’s death on Thursday, saying he was killed in the battle in the Kursk region. There are no immediate comments from Ukraine.
Gudkov was appointed deputy chief of the Russian Navy for the Russian Navy and ground forces by President Vladimir Putin in March.
At the time, Putin said, “The Minister and the Chief of the General Staff believe that your experience needs to be replicated in other units, so we decided to move you into a position to increase the level of responsibility.”
The Ukrainian forces had previously accused other members of his previous 155th Brigade of committing war crimes in Ukraine, including the murder of civilians in the towns of Bucha, Irpin and Gostomer during the early months of the Russian war.
Separately, the Ukrainian Border Patrol states that the 155th Brigade was involved in the execution of Ukrainian prisoners.
Russia has consistently denied committing war crimes in Ukraine despite evidence gathered by Ukrainians and international investigators.
