Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed Greece's referendum against further economic austerity measures on the phone on Monday, the Kremlin said.The phone call, which was initiated by the Greek side, also included discussions of developments in ties between the countries, the Kremlin said in a statement. It was unclear whether they discussed whether Russia would provide financial aid to Greece.The Kremlin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said earlier on Monday that Moscow would consider providing financial aid if Athens specifically requests it.Peskov said in comments carried by state media that the aid issue would likely be addressed during an upcoming BRICS emerging economies summit that starts on Wednesday in the Russian city of Ufa.He said that Moscow respects the referendum's result, as it was "a vote made by the people."He added: "We hope that our Greek partners, as soon as possible, will reach a necessary compromise with their creditors and make the decisions that will best ensure economic and social stability in the country."Russia and Greece have been significantly boosting political and economic ties in recent months as both countries struggle with economic problems.Tsipras, who has adamantly opposed economic austerity measures, met with Putin at Russia's largest economic forum last month.The countries signed a deal to collaborate on the planned Turkish Stream pipeline, which will bring natural gas to Europe from Russia.The pipeline will bypass Ukraine, with which Russia's relations are at an all-time low amid a simmering pro-Russian separatist rebellion in Ukraine's two eastern-most regions.On Sunday, a 61-per-cent majority in Greece's referendum voted "no" on continuing economic reforms and budget cuts.