Or is this too advanced for Russia?

By most accounts, the T-55s they pulled out were largely pulling duties in the rear to free up modern tanks. This is the first(?) time we've had solid confirmation that they're putting them close to the front.

Wake me when they eventually pull the T-34s out of storage.

Fat chance - they had to borrow T-34s for their parades. They got rid of them long ago. No, it's straight to the anti-elephant wagon after the T-55.

According to Wikipedia they've already been using t-34s in Donbas.

Clearly you aren't up-to-date with the latest in anti-elephant technology.

I think they can use the polearm as a land oar to slowly steer it to some extent.

Anti-elephant wagon. Think of it more like a semi-mobile wall than an offensive weapon.