I believe this to be true, but for more reasons than just Putin wanting the Ukraine from joining NATO. He wants the USSR back in its entirety. There is always more than a single reason. (Arlin Report comment)
“Why doesn’t President Biden and NATO leaders actually just say that and guarantee it? Why don’t they prevent this war from happening?”
Source: “They Actually Want Russia To Invade” – Beijing Slams Biden For Allegedly Provoking Putin