Russia considers giving financial help to Greece

Russia's finance minister has said that the country would consider giving aid to Greece.

Anton Siluanov told CNBC that Russia would not rule out giving debt-ridden Greece a helping hand if they asked.

"Well, we can imagine any situation, so if such petition is submitted to the Russian government, we will definitely consider it, but will take into account all the factors of our bilateral relationships between Russia and Greece, so that is all I can say. If it is submitted we will consider it," Siluanov told CNBC in an exclusive interview in Moscow on Thursday.

His remarks come two days after Greece's newly elected Syriza left-wing-led government questioned further EU sanctions against Russia. The news suggested that Greece could be looking to Russia for support but Siluanov said they were yet to do so.