Or maybe the definition of “ key strategic locations” differs, based on your objectves
The Russians are not sticking around and occupying towns they do not consider as threats or impediments. They roll through, maybe negotiate with the mayor, then move on. The ukes then move in and declare victory.
If there are any significant military targets in those towns, missiles will deal with them, or the Russians/Chechens will be back once the cauldron around them is closed
There are “cauldrons”?
What the Russians were actually doing was “rolling through” indeed, but then Ukes would close up behind them and cut them off. And then they would run low on gas, not get resupply (which was ambushed behind them), then have to run the ambush gauntlet back, leaving disabled or unfueled vehicles behind.
They arent doing this (much) anymore. For good reasons.