Russia on possible EU visa restrictions: Europe reviving Cold War era practices

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Europe is continuing on its course of confrontation with Russia, reviving all the practices of the Cold War and introducing new elements to them, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday.

Commenting on media reports claiming the EU is working on stricter visa restrictions for Russians, Peskov said Russian diplomats are already limited in their movements within the Schengen area, and it is possible that Brussels will continue to tighten visa regulations for ordinary Russians.

"Unfortunately, the Europeans are diligently recalling everything related to the confrontation that took place during the Cold War, and they are just as diligently adding new sophisticated elements to this confrontation," he said.

Asked whether Moscow had received any reaction from the US regarding a possible resumption of nuclear tests in Russia, as well as the successful tests of the newest Poseidon and Burevestnik weapons, Peskov answered negatively.

Regarding the Western media's reaction to Putin's order to assess the feasibility of preparing for nuclear tests, Peskov called it "emotional" and "in line with anti-Russian hysteria."

"This is despite all our clarifications, despite the clear wording of the president. This is a continuation of such a rather emotional, overly emotional reaction of the Western media," he said.

According to the official, many journalists "do not shy away from simply distorting the meaning of what is said."

"And all this is in line with this militaristic, anti-Russian hysteria that is currently raging in Western European countries," he stressed.

Commenting on the US-Central Asia presidential summit scheduled for Thursday in Washington, Peskov said Russia is building its own relations with Central Asia.

"Putin constantly communicates with the leaders of Central Asia. Moreover, the president has very good and sincere friendly relations with all of them, which make it possible to deal with interstate affairs very effectively," he said.