Subheading: French President Emmanuel Macron says Russia’s hybrid activities targeting France and other European countries have intensified, prompting Paris to prepare stronger protection for critical infrastructure and sensitive defence sites.
Macron Raises Alarm Over Russian Hybrid Activities
French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that the Russian hybrid threat facing France and Europe has intensified in recent weeks, saying Paris will take steps to strengthen its defences against such activities.
Speaking to reporters at the Élysée Palace on Friday after meeting French political leaders, Macron said France had been targeted by Russian hybrid operations in recent weeks. He said the French government would prepare measures to protect the country against emerging threats.
Macron said the nature of the threat was changing and that European countries needed to be prepared for activities that fall below the level of conventional military conflict.
France Plans Protection for Critical Infrastructure
Macron has instructed the French government to prepare a plan aimed at protecting the country’s critical infrastructure.
The measures are also expected to cover France’s most sensitive defence-industry and technology sites. Officials are particularly concerned about potential drone and cyberattacks that could disrupt important facilities without involving conventional military strikes.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said all relevant state services and local authorities would be mobilised to prepare for the new threats.
The approach reflects growing European concern that critical infrastructure could become a target during periods of heightened geopolitical tension.
What Are Hybrid Attacks?
The term hybrid warfare generally refers to activities designed to pressure or destabilise another country without relying solely on conventional military force.
These activities can include cyberattacks, sabotage, disinformation campaigns, espionage, interference with infrastructure and drone operations.
EU foreign-policy chief Kaja Kallas told the European Parliament this week that Europe had seen an increase in Russian hybrid activities since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. She cited incidents involving drones, transport infrastructure and other targets while calling for stronger intelligence-sharing between European countries.
Leipzig Airport Incident Raises European Concerns
Macron also pointed to the recent incident involving Leipzig Airport in Germany as an example of the changing security environment.
Germany has attributed the August 4 incident at Leipzig Airport to Russia, and France subsequently summoned Russia’s chargé d’affaires over the matter. Paris said the incident was part of a wider pattern of Russian hybrid activities across Europe.
The accusations are part of a broader European debate about how governments should respond to incidents involving suspected sabotage, drones and cyber operations.
Russia has denied various Western accusations of hostile activity, and claims surrounding individual incidents can remain subject to investigation.
Macron Says France Will Continue Supporting Ukraine
Macron also linked the security concerns to Europe’s continued support for Ukraine.
He said France would continue supporting Ukraine despite what he described as attempts to intimidate European countries and weaken their backing for Kyiv.
Macron argued that Russia’s alleged hybrid activities would not reduce France’s commitment to Ukraine. Instead, he said, they could reinforce European efforts to strengthen security and resilience.
France has remained one of Ukraine’s major European political and military supporters since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.
European Countries Increase Vigilance
Macron’s comments come as several European governments have raised concerns about possible Russian interference, sabotage and drone-related incidents.
EU officials have called for stronger coordination between member states, including greater intelligence-sharing and improved mechanisms for responding to threats that do not amount to conventional armed attacks.
The European Commission has also discussed developing a broader framework for responding to hybrid threats, including cyberattacks, sabotage and drone incidents.
Poland has separately warned that Russia could potentially use drones or other projectiles against NATO countries supporting Ukraine, although such warnings concern potential future scenarios rather than confirmed attacks.
France Prepares a Broader Response
Macron’s government is now expected to focus on improving the protection of infrastructure considered particularly important to national security.
That includes energy and transport systems, defence facilities, technology infrastructure and other critical sites that could be vulnerable to cyber or drone attacks.
France is also seeking greater coordination with European and G7 partners as governments assess the wider consequences of the war in Ukraine and other international conflicts.
Conclusion
Emmanuel Macron’s warning that Russia’s hybrid threat against France and Europe has intensified reflects growing concern among European governments about activities ranging from cyberattacks and suspected sabotage to drone incidents and disinformation.
France is responding by preparing a plan to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive defence and technology facilities, while European officials are pushing for greater intelligence-sharing and coordination.
The allegations against Russia remain contested in individual cases, but the broader concern over hybrid threats has become a significant part of Europe’s security discussions as the war in Ukraine continues.