On 20 May, Russian forces made further advances in the west and south of Popasna, with the aim of cutting off the road to Sievierodonetsk.[82][83] Despite stiff Ukrainian resistance, Russian forces finally broke through in the Popasna area on 20 May.[84] By 22 May, Russian forces managed to secure their route of advance and attempted to simultaneously push west towards Bakhmut and north to cut off road links to Sievierodonetsk.[85]