France dismissed on Friday Russia's claims that the refusal of visas to Russian journalists was a reciprocal measure, after the Kremlin said France's refusal to grant visas to two Russian journalists was discriminatory.

The French Foreign Ministry urged Russian authorities to reconsider their 'unjustified and arbitrary' decision to revoke the accreditation of Le Monde's Moscow correspondent.

France has denied claims of visa refusal to Russian journalists being reciprocal, as tensions rise after Russia did not renew accreditation for a Le Monde correspondent. France weighs its stance on the issue amidst concerns over diminishing press freedoms in Russia.