Would not be surprising if he said that. Russia (and in its time, USSR) hates to be humiliated. Giving up some territory or going "neutral" for a while would help Ukraine rebuild and prepare for the future. While Russia would save face at home.
Wonder how they will react now that Finland seems to be on a the path of joining the OTAN. I really wish the US would mind their business. While Russia have the biggest part in the blame for all this mess, the US also have a big share.