Russia is using soft power tactics to sway the sympathies of Ukrainian civilians. Therefore, the Kherson region has already announced its withdrawal from Ukraine and the desire to join Russia.
Not "Kherson region", but a puppet government installed by Russians.
Russia acts in Ukraine not as an occupier, but as a liberator. This is much more difficult and longer than bombing everything with air bombs and cleaning up the ruins. But in the long run, it's a winning strategy.
Except out here in the real world they bombed and shelled Mariupol for two months.