Yet the rounds of meetings, and particularly their timing, have fanned the flames of a controversy that has hung like a cloud over the new Greek government's handling of its financial crisis so far: Is the Syriza-led government trying to play the Russia card to ease the pressure from its European creditors? But when Greece goes, we're the devil," he said in a phone conversation. We are just doing what is normal. I do not like these two standards.
Indeed, he has a point. Even Angela Merkel admitted as much when asked about Tsipras' visit to Moscow earlier this month. Nonetheless, as talk of a pipeline deal with the Russians swirls about, the string of events this week makes it hard not to question what is happening behind the scenes. Is Russia possibly taking advantage of its historically friendly relations with Greece—and Greece's tough financial situation—to create a lever of support against Europe's Russian sanctions?
The sanctions are set to expire in July, around the same time that another round of Greek loan payments are due. The timing has probably not been lost on anyone involved. Read More Greece balks: What's next?
Tsipras is playing up his Russian ties, too, especially to his constituents, who voted him in on campaign pledges that he would stand up to the European austerity measures. Many analysts argue that Tsipras visited the Kremlin for domestic consumption to demonstrate that Greece does not have to rely only on its European partners. The leftist prime minister's perceived tilt toward Russia is not that surprising.
For starters, Tsipras and many in his far-left party have roots in the Greek communist party, the KKE, which has traditionally strong ties with the Kremlin. Secondly, Russia is Greece's largest trading partner.
But some analysts think it's a doomed strategy. Furthermore, Sweden has a history of an adversarial relationship with Russia and it lacks the close cultural ties to Russia that Greece enjoys.
Despite all this, both Greece and Sweden are subjects of increasing attention from Russia. Greece has been courted by Russia for quite some time, with hints of possible substantial financial aid. Russia also recently announced that it would permanently deploy 10 warships to the Mediterranean, as part of their updated Maritime doctrine. Sweden has also received notable, and increasing attention from Russia. Swedish intelligence has reported that Russian spy activities against the country have dramatically increased and that these cannot be interpreted in any way other than war preparations.
Examples include Russian air incursions, flying without transponders threatening civilian aircraft and even firing flares against Swedish jets in international airspace. The Russian ambassador in Stockholm has even said that Russia would respond with military countermeasures, namely reorient its forces and missiles, if Sweden moved toward joining NATO. Carl von Clausewitz taught us that a close relationship exists between military strategy and politics.
And history has shown that it is essential to never forget this, so too in this case. Not disregarding the increased Russian attention to Greece, how likely is it that Greece would become a useful tool for the Kremlin? As Greece grapples with its European creditors over a third bailout in dramatic negotiations, one myth is being busted for good: That the beleaguered southern European country can count on Russia for help.
Petersburg, have cultivated among many Greeks, from voters to some in government, the dream that their Russian brothers will come to the rescue should relations with Europe fall apart. You may change your billing preferences at any time in the Customer Center or call Customer Service.
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