In context, yes you're exactly right about Vlad's reason for it. Despite the casualties, Ukraine (US, NATO) have been holding Russia off and Vlad wants a way out of it. This is what he's now saying.
He wants to sue for peace, all he needs is a broker. NOT Biden, Blinken, whatshername, not Starmer or any of his crew either. He wants Trump to do it, or else he goes nuclear, and he has weapons that can reach anywhere.
Personally I think the Deep State still is determined to not see Trump take office. They have too much to lose, starting with... well, as long as we're on the subject, the war in Ukraine. Then Covid. Then run down the list.
Putin wants to sue for peace? Do you think he will cede Crimea or the territory in the Donbas?
Putin has the leverage. Zelensky will have to make concessions. And Ukraine will not be a member of NATO for the foreseeable future. Trump should call for elections in Ukraine. Zelensky will be removed.