It was a high-risk gamble that Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras took with the future of his country, but in the end it was a decisive win.
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However the Russian president had declared that he was “open to the world” when asked about providing aid to Greece.
In the statement Monday, the Kremlin said Mr. Putin “expressed support for the people of Greece in overcoming the difficulties facing the country”. The creditors all but rejected Greece’s tax proposals, again insisting on the cuts in the pension system, and across-the-board increases in the value-added tax (VAT), which affects the poor the most. “Tsipras spoke about the situation in Greece and said that contact with the European creditors continues”, he said.
Meanwhile, Turkey’s Anodolu Agency reported that Putin had requested a conversation with Tsipras and Greek Energy Minister Panagiotis Lafazanis.
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The subject of the discussion between the Greek and Russian leaders was not disclosed, but it will reportedly concern a possible energy deal between the two countries.
