Kucinich: US Politicians Seek Showdown With Russia to Boost Military Budgets

US politicians seeking a confrontation with Russia are simply trying to increase military budgets, including the budget for NATO expansion, former US congressman and two-time candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination Dennis Kucinich told Sputnik.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — According to Kucinich, the military budget boost is not consistent with the interests of the American people.

‘’Those who want a showdown with Russia are simply trying for bigger and bigger budgets for the military, for a multi-trillion dollar nuclear arms infrastructure renewal, for an extension of NATO’s position in the world, and things that none of which are consistent with the interests of the American people," Kucinich stated.

Kucinich explained that it is in the interest of both, Russia and the United States, to work together to get rid of all nuclear weapons.

Moreover, Kucinich also said it is in the interest of both countries to cooperate on solving major problems facing the planet such as global climate change.

Since 2014, relations between Russia and the United States have deteriorated amid the crisis in Ukraine. Washington, Brussels and some of their allies have introduced several rounds of sanctions against Russia over Crimea’s decision to reunify with Russia in march 2014 as well as over Moscow's alleged involvement in the Ukrainian conflict.

Russia has repeatedly refuted the allegations, warning that the Western sanctions are counterproductive and undermine global stability.