Russian forces surrounded Ukrainian troops in the village of Vasilkovoye in the Zaporozhye region before launching an assault, according to a Russian serviceman with the call sign Minsk, deputy commander of an assault platoon in the 37th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 36th Army’s Vostok (East) Group of Forces.

Speaking to TASS, Minsk said Russian assault units approached Ukrainian positions from the rear along three directions, effectively trapping the garrison.

He explained that Russian troops had to cross a river, wooded strips and open fields to reach Ukrainian positions. Preparations for the operation lasted about a week, during which Russian soldiers covertly moved into the area around Vasilkovoye and gradually concentrated their forces behind Ukrainian lines.

According to Minsk, the assault began at night while Ukrainian soldiers were asleep. He said the attack caught the garrison off guard, as Ukrainian troops had not expected Russian forces to strike from the rear.

Military correspondents also reported that Ukrainian forces had established extensive defensive fortifications in Vasilkovoye before the assault. Underground tunnels had reportedly been dug near a former farm, allowing troops to withdraw from their positions or receive reinforcements.

The reported capture of Vasilkovoye also created a threat to the flanks of Ukrainian forces near Barvinovka. According to the reports, Russian units were able to cut off supply routes and prevent Ukrainian reserves from reaching the area.