Yes, those are some amusing interviews where Moscovites will say people should fight if called up but when asked if they would personally do it, pause, and say no.

Or those who have served in the Russian military and say, "it's not for everyone" as in you wouldn't believe the idiots you have to deal with.

I don't think the U.S. pushing Russia into war is real thing, but there is something there of it, even if very small. I don't give it as a reason as much as identifying the paranoia in Putin's head.