(MENAFN) Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Thursday criticized Europe for continuing a confrontational stance toward Russia, describing it as a revival of Cold War-era practices with added new measures.

Responding to reports that the EU is considering stricter visa rules for Russian citizens, Peskov noted that Russian diplomats already face restrictions within the Schengen area, and suggested that Brussels may further 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.

When asked about any response from the United States concerning a potential resumption of Russian nuclear tests, as well as recent successful trials of the Poseidon and Burevestnik weapons, Peskov said Moscow had received no feedback.

Regarding Western media coverage of President Putin’s directive to assess the feasibility of nuclear testing, he described the reporting as "emotional" and reflective of ongoing "anti-Russian hysteria." He added that many journalists "do not shy away from simply distorting the meaning of what is said."

"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," Peskov explained, framing it as part of a broader militaristic and anti-Russian sentiment in Western Europe.

On the upcoming U.S.-Central Asia presidential summit in Washington, Peskov emphasized that Russia is simultaneously developing its own bilateral relations with countries in Central Asia.

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