Utter baloney and pure Kremlin propaganda, since that had nothing to do with the objectives the Russians were and are doing as they invaded. This was just the continuation of what Putin started by taking over Crimea. He wants the Soviet Union back and has long lamented its dissolution. Same thing with his attacks on Georgia.
Specifically Putin wanted to seize all the parts of Ukraine that were rich in potential gas, oil, and other resources, which was mostly the East and Crimea. By so doing he would prevent Ukraine from developing these resources and undercutting the Russian market in Europe which Ukraine would naturally end up developing if it keeps their own resources. This is why Ukes won’t negotiate until the Russians are pushed out.