@noelreports@mstdn.social maybe he is laying the groundwork for a narrative that will allow him to stop the war without looking too weak. He can’t just say ”mission accomplished” yet though, but he can, as he already has, shrink the stated ambitions. He will stop the war when the states goals and the actual situation converges, and this is a step in that direction. He can also silence any differing views with his brand new shiny surveillance tools once he declares victory.