UPDATES WITH DEFENSE MINISTRY STATEMENT, CHANGES DECK, LEDE
By Elena Teslova
MOSCOW (AA) - Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy Mikhail Gudkov was killed in the Kursk region, the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed on Thursday.
"On July 2nd, during combat operations in one of the border areas of the Kursk region, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy for Coastal and Ground Forces, Hero of Russia Major General Mikhail Yevgenyevich Gudkov, passed away," the ministry said.
Earlier on Thursday, Primorye region Governor Oleg Kozhemyako announced the death of the deputy naval chief, who was personally acquainted with the fallen commander.
In a post on Telegram, Kozhemyako extended his condolences to the families, friends, and fellow soldiers of all those killed in the Kursk region.
According to Kozhemyako, Gudkov died "while fulfilling his duty as an officer, along with his fellow soldiers."
"His loyal comrade and our mutual friend, Nariman Shikhaliev, also died alongside the commander," said the head of Primorye.