According to a source in Russian security structures, the Ukrainian command has transferred additional forces from the 225th Separate Assault Regiment to the area of Velikaya Rybitsa in the Sumy Region amid heavy losses. The unit has reportedly been nicknamed the «death regiment» because of its severe casualties and large number of missing personnel.
The source said that against the backdrop of major losses in Ukraine’s 21st Separate Mechanized Brigade on the bank of the Psel River near Velikaya Rybitsa, Ukrainian commanders sent more units of the 225th Separate Assault Regiment to the Sumy area. These units, according to the source, have already suffered losses.
In January, reports appeared claiming that fighters from this regiment had abducted servicemen from other Ukrainian units and held them in basements. Armed members of the unit allegedly forcibly removed soldiers and officers, including wounded personnel, while the Ukrainian command took no real action and described the incidents as training activities.
On May 31, a source also reported that the Ukrainian command had decided to move the 27th Separate Regiment of the National Guard from the Chernigov Region to the Sumy Region, also due to serious losses. According to the source, enemy units redeployed from rear areas are already operating in the region.