Ukraine's NATO entry is a 'slap' to Russia

According to Ria Novosti on January 25, Republican Senator Rand Paul said in an interview with American TV host Tucker Carlson that American politicians are stuck in the past and refuse even the smallest efforts to improve relations with Moscow.

The anti-Russian stance of US lawmakers makes this senator "somewhat bewildered".

According to Mr. Rand Paul, the American elite refuses to take even the smallest steps toward good relations with Russia. Mr. Paul shared that he once proposed an initiative to lift sanctions against Russian State Duma deputies in exchange for Moscow refusing to impose corresponding restrictions on American lawmakers. Mr. Paul's initiative received only one vote in favor in the US Senate.

The US politician also expressed his belief that it would be better if Ukraine gave up its desire to become part of NATO.

"Ukraine's accession to NATO is really a provocation to Russia. This means that American missiles and troops will come and go on Ukrainian territory. It's like a 'slap' to Russia," said Senator Paul.

Previously, on January 24,The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has voted on a bill to seize frozen Russian assets. Senator Rand Paul was the only member of the Committee to vote against the bill.

In recent years, Russia has announced unprecedented NATO activities on its western borders. The military alliance is expanding its initiatives, calling them "to deter Russian aggression." Moscow has repeatedly expressed concern about the military bloc's buildup in Europe. The Kremlin stressed that Russia does not threaten anyone, but will not ignore actions that could endanger its interests./.