It’s not much either though and Russia is suffering massive and disproportionate casualties along with losing equipment they can’t replace.Why are you writing off losing the center?
The Luhansk offensive will have Russians on its southern flank after Bakhmut falls.
That isn't nothing.
Very much like WW2 only this time Russia is the Nazis. Their first punch hit hard. Each punch after that has been weaker and weaker while their enemies are getting stronger. To me their alternatives are withdrawal or collapse.