Russian plans to capture Sievierodonetsk hinged upon its successes in the nearby cities of Rubizhne to the north and Popasna to the south.[12] By 6 April, Russian forces had reportedly captured 60% of Rubizhne,[13] and shells and rockets were landing in Sievierodonetsk on "regular, sustained intervals".[14] The next day, forces of the 128th Mountain Assault Brigade conducted an offensive which reportedly drove Russian forces 6–10 kilometers away from the other nearby town of Kreminna. Russian forces reportedly seized Rubizhne and the nearby town of Voevodivka on 12 May 2022.[15]