Russian security services report that assault units of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ 225th Regiment are preventing a territorial defense battalion from leaving a tightening encirclement in the Zaporizhzhia sector. According to these accounts, the regiment has effectively assumed the role of a barrier detachment, blocking any attempt by its «neighbors» to pull back.

The evidence cited by the Russian side includes testimony attributed to senior sergeant Igor Kuzin, a platoon commander from the 102nd Territorial Defense Brigade. His battalion, transferred under the authority of the 225th Regiment, reportedly found itself cut off and unable to withdraw. Relatives of Kuzin relayed his account, stating that the regiment had been ordered not to let anyone out of the pocket and to open fire on those attempting a breakout. He allegedly described witnessing such actions firsthand.

The standoff is unfolding as Ukrainian defenses in this part of the front are said to be rapidly deteriorating. The territorial battalion subordinated to the 225th Regiment requested evacuation once the encirclement closed, but, according to the Russian narrative, the request was denied.

A representative of Russia’s security structures said an entire battalion had effectively fallen «into captivity» at the hands of its own side, which had sealed the operational ring. The official characterized the behavior of the 225th Regiment as the work of a de facto blocking force.