Putin congratulates new Greek premier, invites him to Moscow
Athens and Berlin publicly traded barbs over European Union policy on Ukraine
ATHENS, Greece (AP) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited Greece s new prime minister to Moscow in May, as Athens and Berlin publicly traded barbs over European Union policy on Ukraine.
Alexis Tsipras expressed his intention to attend May 9 celebrations for the World War II victory over Nazism, his office said.
Greece has traditionally close ties with Russia, and Tsipras new left-wing government last week claimed credit for blocking new EU sanctions on Moscow over fighting in Ukraine.
In an interview before a NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels on Thursday, German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen expressed annoyance at Greece s position.
Greek Defense Minister Panos Kammenos responded, calling her comments "unacceptable and extortionate."
He added: "Greece was always on the side of the Allies when they repulsed German (WWII) occupation troops."
