Moscow: Russian Economic Development Minister Alexey Ulyukaev said on Tuesday that Greece has not asked for financial assistance from Russia, but his country is interested in investing to help alleviate the country's financial crisis.

Athens has not asked Moscow for any financial help, while Russia has studied the possibility of engaging in Greek businesses and investing in infrastructure field, Ulyukaev told reporters.

The minister also described as pure speculation the reports that the New Development Bank, which will be officially launched at this week's summit of BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), may provide Athens with a loan.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's adviser Yuri Ushakov also said in an interview broadcast by Russian media on Tuesday that the New Development Bank will instead begin operations by focusing on its own problems, not Greece's.

(IANS)