Ukrainian Forces Eliminate Commander and Chief of Staff of Russian 155th Guards Naval Infantry Brigade

Reports have confirmed the loss of two senior Russian officers from the 155th Separate Guards Naval Infantry Brigade.

The Telegram channel In Factum shared the news.

According to Russian online obituaries, Colonel Sergei Ilyin, the brigade commander, and Colonel Leonid Bashkardin, the chief of staff, were killed following a strike by the Ukrainian Defense Forces.

In total, the strike neutralized at least four senior commanders, including the Deputy Commander of the Russian Navy, Major General Mikhail Gudkov, and his deputy, Colonel Nariman Shikhaliyev.

All of them were killed on July 2 at the headquarters of the 155th Guards Naval Infantry Brigade in the settlement of Korenevo, located in the Kursk region.

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, Major General Mikhail Gudkov has been involved in the war against Ukraine.

He commanded the 155th Guards Naval Infantry Brigade of the Pacific Fleet – a unit known for war crimes.

Following the intensification of operations by the Ukrainian Defense Forces in the northern direction, the units of this brigade were redeployed to the Kursk region.

In March 2025, Gudkov was appointed Deputy Commander of the Russian Navy.

Losses Among Russian Officers

As of July 8, according to the Killed In Ukraine project, at least 6,606 Russian officers have been killed since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

The greatest losses have been suffered among commanders from junior lieutenant to major – officers who play a key role in managing units at the tactical level.

Russian sources: At least 6 606 Russian officers have been eliminated in the Russian invasion of Ukraine since 24 February 2022.
Weekly update: +63 newly registered.
Sources: public Russian obituaries, graves and memorials. pic.twitter.com/TAhdIP3BLp

— KIU ✪ Russian Officers killed in Ukraine 🇨🇿🇺🇦 (@KilledInUkraine) July 8, 2025

Their high mortality rate is a result of intense assault operations and targeted strikes on command posts at the front line.

Such losses not only reduce combat effectiveness on the frontline but also cause systemic damage to the Russian army’s ability to conduct organized and coordinated warfare.