"The United States and our European allies I think should start out by saying, 'Vladimir, you're not welcome at the next G-8 conference' -- at least to start with. That has some symbology associated about it," McCain, one of the most influential lawmakers in the US Senate, told Fox television.

"We should be worried about this latest deal between Russia and Iran, because Iran does not need nuclear power, and obviously this is a regime which became much more oppressive and repressive over the last couple of years."

The accord Sunday between Iran and Russia on Sunday paves the way for the firing up of the country's first atomic power station, a project the United States alleges is part of a cover for weapons development.

"I think this latest step of the Russians vis-a-vis the agreement with the Iranians calls for sterner measures to be taken between ourselves and Russia. It has got to, at some point, begin to harm our relations, because we can't stand by and allow Russia to continue to behave -- it's almost aberrational."

McCain said developed countries should also give Russia the cold shoulder for its failure to adhere to democratic principles.

"Vladimir Putin seems to me to be acting somewhat like a spoiled child. He tried to interfere in the elections in Ukraine ... He throws people in jail. He now is repressing the press. He is now appointing governors of all the provinces in Russia," the Republican senator said.

"Every step he takes seems to be headed toward a restoration of the old Russian empire. And this is not good," said McCain.

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