It’s not cause there is no rush on the Russians part. The mistake most pro-Ukrainian supporters and pundits make is thinking that Russia is in this for territory when its real goal is 1) ZelenskyyIdiot gov utterly removed and de-militarizing Ukraine (i.e: grinding up and destroying the Ukrainian military).
Why is Russia planning on phony referendums if it wasnt a territory grab?
Putin has stated since the early 2000s that he does not see Ukraine as a legitimate state, that it should be reunited under Muscowy, etc.
And this has been validated by Medvedev's recent statement