Russian national hero killed during combat operations in Ukraine

Senior Lieutenant Naran Ochir-Goryaev, a recipient of Russia's highest state honour, the Hero of the Russian Federation title, has been killed while carrying out combat missions in Ukraine, Batu Khasikov, head of Russia's Republic of Kalmykia, said in a statement published on Telegram.

"Kalmykia has suffered an irreplaceable loss. Our renowned compatriot, Hero of Russia, deputy battalion commander, Senior Lieutenant Naran Alekseevich Ochir-Goryaev, was killed while performing combat duties during the special military operation," Khasikov said, using the Kremlin's official term for the war in Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports.

Khasikov described Ochir-Goryaev as a dedicated military officer who had served on the front lines since the beginning of the conflict. He said the officer's unit had conducted operations with professionalism and sustained minimal losses during combat.

According to the regional leader, Russian President Vladimir Putin had previously recognised Ochir-Goryaev's military service. In December 2025, the officer took part in a live video call with Putin after being invited by the president following a briefing presented to Russia's Security Council.

By Sabina Mammadli