Tsipras' Visit to Moscow May Start 'New Era' in Russia-EU Diplomacy

With the help of the Greek prime minister, Moscow wants to start a “new era” in diplomacy between Russia and the EU.

The European Union (EU) was not impressed with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’ visit to Moscow, French daily Le Figaro reported Wednesday.

“It is the visit that irritates the EU, but delights Russia,” the French newspaper said.

The visit, however, is beneficial for both Greece and Russia, as Tsipras wants to reduce his country’s dependency from “European guardianship,” while Moscow hopes to use the moment to partially weaken “the Western Front” and try to break apart the EU’s unilateral stance on Crimea, Le Figaro said.

The Kremlin sees in Tsipras a possible mediator, who could bring together the EU and Russia, in solving the political crisis in Ukraine. With the help of the Greek prime minister, Russia wants to start a “new era” in European diplomacy, the French source reported.

Earlier, it was reported that the President of the European Parliament Martin Schulz advised Tsipras not to jeopardize the unity of the EU by visiting Russia.

The Greek head of state will be in Moscow until April 9. Besides meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Tsipras will meet head of the Russian Orthodox Church Patriarch Kirill.