Ukraine's accession to NATO is a 'slap in the face' to Russia.

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

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

According to Rand Paul, the American elite are refusing to take even the smallest steps toward a better relationship with Russia. Paul shared that he once proposed an initiative to lift sanctions on Russian State Duma deputies in exchange for Moscow refusing to impose reciprocal restrictions on American senators. This initiative received only one vote in the U.S. Senate.

American politicians have also expressed their belief that it would be better if Ukraine abandoned its desire to become part of NATO.

"Ukraine's accession to NATO is a real provocation against Russia. It means that American missiles and troops will be coming and going on Ukrainian territory. It's like a slap in the face to Russia," said Senator Paul.

Previously, on January 24th,The U.S. 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 publicized unprecedented NATO activities on its western border. The military alliance is expanding its initiatives, calling them "deterrence against Russian aggression." Moscow has repeatedly expressed concern about the military bloc's increased presence in Europe. The Kremlin emphasizes that Russia does not threaten anyone, but will not ignore actions that could endanger its interests.