They did, because they got beat and had to retreat from Irpin. But there is fresh armor sitting in Belarus right now waiting for orders. Claiming de-escalation is perfect moment for regrouping.
As much as a don't trust RT since the start of the invasion, the whole news cycle today seems to indicate a change in Russian posture. I think they're looking for that off ramp now.
My bet is it’s a feint. Just like before the war it wasn’t war preparation it was routine exercises, this is all to minimise their losses while they regroup, resupply, reposition their forces under the cover of ceasefire to avoid losses… etc.
As much as I wish they would see the inevitable results of this catastrophe, I don’t really know how Putin can back down while continuing to hold onto his power.
Does anyone remember George Bush on the aircraft carrier with a giant banner behind him saying mission accomplished? This was before the insurgency and most US soldiers that would die had died. I'm not sure anymore but it may also have been even before Sadam was captured. The war was far from over nor finished but he just claimed it was so.
I don't see anything from preventing Putin to just claim victory. The people that are brainwashed at home will believe anything.
Until reliable reporting bears this out, it's likely a lie.