Tsipras's visit to Putin follows road paved in Soviet times

By Henry Meyer & Eleni Chrepa

The journey to Moscow from Athens is a path well-trodden for Greek leaders.

Since the late 1970s, the country?s prime ministers have pursued talks with Russia over trade, energy policy and investment. As current premier Alexis Tsipras follows in their footsteps and sits down with Vladimir Putin, he may find the Russian president as keen for his help as he is to woo Putin.

European Union sanctions over the conflict in Ukraine along with falling oil prices have hurt Russia, just as Greece is locked in talks with euro partners on getting more bailout funds. While Tsipras is seeking ways of saving or raising money, Putin is looking for an ally to undermine the EU?s stance.

?Relations between Russia and Greece have very been close over the years, but this is a new dimension,? Judy Dempsey, senior associate at Carnegie Europe, said from Berlin. ?Tsipras is trying to play off Russia against the EU in his negotiations to get what he wants from the euro zone. Clearly this is Putin?s attempt to trade off one EU country against another.?

Russia is ready to discuss easing restrictions on Greek food products, which were imposed as part of the retaliation for EU sanctions, according to two Russian officials, who asked not to be identified because the information is confidential.

Building bridges

Russia doesn?t rule out discussion of possible loans or a discount on gas prices at the talks, Putin?s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told reporters on a conference call on Tuesday. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov said Greece hasn?t asked for financial assistance and he won?t be meeting Tsipras.

The EU?s economic sanctions against Russia are due to expire in July, and a unanimous 28-nation vote is...