They weren't interested in advancing beyond that territory.
Let's be honest here, if they wanted to advance they could have but the sanctions were biting real hard. The Russians with even such small numbers bolstered mostly by Pro Russian Militia completely outmanoeuvred, outsmarted and outfought the Ukrainians. The Ukrainian Army is by no means is a push over, they are well trained and have some very decent equipment. Equipment that the Syrian Rebels can only dream of possessing.
True, but they are fighting along the SAA who are the locals and not foreigners. I think Russians will be taking the role of advisors, not fighting the war for SAA themselves. And from what i have seen, this is what SAA lacks the most, Trained Officers. Some of the tactics i have seen of SAA Infantry and Armoured Crew are beyond pathetic. This is where i believe the Russians will be off great help for the SAA in terms of training and helping them improve their training drills. Also, the newer equipment the Russians will bring with them will be off great help for the SAA who are mostly using old and obsolete weapons.
Second, feel free to correct me but if a Russian Armoured Regiment backed by Gunships and Flankers decide to advance on a Position, do tell me what force out there can put a brake on that advance? The only force that i can think of is a Stryker Brigade.
Mostly in Advisory Roles