Alexis Tsipras in Moscow asks Europe to end sanctions against Russia

Greek leader's 'springtime for Russian-Greek relations' fails to extend to bailout loans from Vladimir Putin, but he warns sanctions could cause 'new cold war'

The Greek prime minister has called on Europe to end its sanctions against Russia during a visit to Moscow, warning that they could lead to a "new cold war".

Alexis Tsipras also rebuked other European leaders who had criticised his two-day visit to the Russian capital, after meeting Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin on Wednesday.

Related: Greece puts figure of a279bn on claim for German reparations

The counter-sanctions imposed by Russia have inflicted pain on the Greek economy.