Now that they ran the referendum, they don’t really have a choice in the matter according to their constitution. However, they can do this on their own time. There is no pressing need for Russia to do that right now. But this does tie up Ukrainian troops in order to hold it.
Russia’s ultimate goal is a military victory and destruction of the Ukrainian army. If they achieve that goal then they will capture a lot more than just Kherson city.
Russia will have to recapture Kherson, as it is part of Russia (since Sept. 2022).
Now that they ran the referendum, they don’t really have a choice in the matter according to their constitution. However, they can do this on their own time. There is no pressing need for Russia to do that right now. But this does tie up Ukrainian troops in order to hold it.
Russia’s ultimate goal is a military victory and destruction of the Ukrainian army. If they achieve that goal then they will capture a lot more than just Kherson city.