Russia: Deputy Head of Navy Killed in Ukrainian Attack in Kursk

One of the highest-ranking Russian military officials killed by Ukrainian forces since the war began, Vice Admiral Mikhail Gutkov, was confirmed dead on July 3, 2025. Gutkov, who served as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy and led a marine brigade fighting in Ukraine, was reportedly killed during an attack on a command post in Korenevo, Kursk region, near the Ukrainian border. The official statement from Russian armed forces confirmed his death along with other military personnel, while both Russian and Ukrainian Telegram channels earlier reported the incident. Appointed to his naval position by President Vladimir Putin in March, Gutkov had been previously awarded for bravery but also accused by Kyiv of war crimes. His death marks one of the most significant losses for Russia’s military leadership during the ongoing conflict.