Bakhmut is a matter of face saving for Russia, and a means to kill the core of Wagner forces for Ukraine.
Instead of trying to take Bakhmut, Russia should have sat the winter out like Ukraine and trained, rearmed, and corrected weaknesses. They did not.
Whatever form the expected Spring/Summer offensive happen, Russia's refusal to corrects its deficiencies is going to hurt it just the same as last year.
How long did it take for the Russians/Soviets to take Stalingrad?
Cope much?