But!
I am taking his surprise and willingness to recognize a knowledge gap as a small win. I also readily agreed with all the points he thinks are deep conspiracies - yes, the West has had CIA presence in Europe for decades. Everyone knows that. Not secret tankie knowledge!
So we'll see if bit by bit a loving dismantling of his silos' BS can finally break through. (& I ended as I always do, with gentle reminders that he is more than the ID these groups want members to believe is everything.)