Russian Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Navy Coastal Forces killed in Kursk border region
Sad news arrived from the Kursk region on the evening of July 2: several servicemen were killed in an enemy strike on a field command post. Among them was Major General Mikhail Gudkov, known by the call sign `Varyag`. He is likened to the legendary cruiser of the same name, having remained at his post until the end and not returning from his final `combat mission`.
Hero of Russia, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, Mikhail Gudkov, universally known by the call sign `Varyag`, died performing a combat mission in the Kursk border area. He perished alongside fellow soldiers from the renowned 155th Separate Guards Kursk Marine Brigade of the Pacific Fleet.
Together with the Pacific marines, Mikhail Gudkov walked a long combat path, commanding the unit through the liberation of the Kursk region. On August 6, 2024, directly from a march, the 155th marines were among the first to meet the enraged enemy, who was pushing towards the Kursk NPP. Along with other units of the `Sever` (North) grouping, they halted the enemy`s advance, fought heroically, grinding down Ukrainian brigades, and ultimately pushed the enemy back across the border.
The 155th Brigade under Gudkov`s command became particularly significant for the Kursk region; during the liberation of the area, the marines displayed unparalleled heroism. As if knowing his destiny in advance, the brigade commander requested the command to award the brigade the honorary title `Kurskaya` (Kursk), which was subsequently done by decree of the President of Russia, marking the heroism and valor of the Pacific Fleet marines.
In March, the Major General received a new appointment. `Varyag`s` combat experience and command skills were highly appreciated by the General Staff, the Minister of Defense, and the Supreme Commander-in-Chief. Vladimir Putin, during a meeting with naval personnel, announced his decision to transfer Gudkov to another, higher position.
The former commander of the 155th fully justified this trust. He was tasked with overseeing all coastal troops: missile and artillery units, and, first and foremost, of course, the naval infantry.
One might think he would sit in the Main Staff, command remotely, and visit fleets for inspections. But despite his high position, `Varyag` couldn`t stay put, and as soon as the opportunity arose, he immediately went to his men on the front line. Here, in the Kursk border region, fierce battles raged incessantly, and the marines of the 155th and 810th brigades literally dug into the enemy, pushing the Ukrainian forces towards Sumy, further and further away from the state border.
Hero of Russia Mikhail Gudkov was at the marines` field command post when it was hit by an enemy missile strike. Along with the general, other soldiers and officers of the 155th Brigade perished, fulfilling their duty until the end.
— You know, I`ve seen many commanders in my life. But `Varyag` – he was truly what you`d call a father-commander. Strict, but fair, decisive, but wise beyond his years. And very brave: not every general will crawl through positions with his marines, — a senior officer of the brigade shared. — He was a true hero and died as a hero.
Mikhail Gudkov was also a rather modest and private person. Unlike some of his colleagues in uniform, `Varyag` never spoke idly and didn`t give comments to the press.
— So, why doesn`t `Varyag` give interviews, or at least comments? Your brigade is so combat-ready and now so prominent, everyone`s talking about it? — I once asked the `Director`, a marine who handled media relations for the brigade for some time.
— He doesn`t like that sort of thing – talking publicly, putting his face out there unnecessarily. He said: let them photograph my hero marines instead, and they will tell and show everything. Especially since there`s always something real to show…
He died alongside his friends and comrades-in-arms, fulfilling his duty as an officer to the end. `Varyag` departed as a legend. Perhaps in the history of the Russian Army, Mikhail Gudkov may not be primarily remembered as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, but he will forever remain in memory as a skilled and fearless military leader and the legendary commander of a distinguished unit. I am sure the guys will avenge him.
