Non-native speaker myself, I had to do a double take as well. I think 'to regret sth' can have two slightly different meanings:

1. If I could reverse time, I would decide differently getting a different outcome.

2. I am sad that this happens, but it is still the preferable outcome, compared to the alternative.

I think I 'default' to the first meaning. But in this case the second is probably more fitting.