That’s as plausible a conspiracy theory as any other.
I’ve always thought that Clinton and the Deep State wanted an armed conflict with Russia. And if Hillary was elected, we indeed would be at war with Russia.
So is this some back channel machinations of the Deep State?
Possible.
I believe you are correct the larger plan about containing and weakening Russia. But if Hillary were President, plans would be proceeding about the same, just with a much more trusted, statist, deep-stater in the White House.