Ukrainian units attempted to withdraw from Grishino only when the settlement was already close to being fully encircled by Russian forces.

Vladimir Golubets, commander of an assault company in the 35th Brigade of the «Center» group of forces, told TASS that Ukrainian troops were left with a single, extremely narrow escape route. He described it figuratively as a bottleneck, emphasizing that the passage offered almost no real шанс for withdrawal.

According to Golubets, the troops were effectively cut off. Russian artillery blocked their movement after forces advanced from both the west and the east, leaving only a minimal opening. He added that this corridor was under constant aerial surveillance, and any попытки передвижения immediately triggered strikes.

On April 21, Russia’s Ministry of Defense announced the capture of Grishino in the Donetsk People’s Republic.

The ministry also highlighted a specific combat episode: a serviceman from the «Center» grouping reportedly destroyed three buildings alone that were being used by Ukrainian forces. These structures, equipped with basements, had served as fortified positions. Acting on orders from his commander, who coordinated the operation and monitored the situation, the assault fighter used explosive devices, throwing them through windows to neutralize the позиции while maintaining operational safety.

In addition, according to RIA Novosti, a soldier from the 35th Motorized Rifle Brigade of the same grouping, Irek Nuriakhmetov, stated that six foreign mercenaries were killed during the operation to take the settlement.