On 17 March, pro-Russian LPR forces advanced into[16] and captured the western and northwestern outskirts of Rubizhne and then attacked the southern part of the town around noon,[17] while capturing a city administration building. By the following day, the LPR was in control of portions of Rubizhne, while fighting continued in the southern part of the town.[18] Between 19 and 20 March, Russian and LPR forces captured the village of Varvarivka, north of Rubizhne.[19]