French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that what he described as an intensifying Russian hybrid threat is increasingly targeting France and other European countries.
Speaking at the Élysée Palace after meeting political party leaders on the security implications of the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, Macron said France had experienced a series of hybrid attacks in recent weeks and would respond to such incidents.
He has ordered the government to strengthen protection around critical infrastructure, as well as sensitive defence and technology facilities, amid concerns over potential drone and cyberattacks.
The warning comes as European governments raise concerns about a growing range of activities attributed to Russia, including cyber operations, sabotage and drone incidents.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has also called for stronger coordination among European countries to respond to such threats.
Macron also pointed to recent security incidents in Europe, including a reported drone incident at Leipzig airport in Germany and concerns raised by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk over possible drone and missile attacks targeting Poland and other countries on NATO’s eastern flank.
Tusk has warned of a risk that Moscow could attempt to test the alliance through attacks that might later be portrayed as accidental. Russia has rejected accusations of involvement in a number of such incidents.
The concerns have intensified following a reported Russian drone strike near the Ukraine-Poland border, adding to fears over the potential spillover of the war beyond Ukraine.
Hybrid warfare generally combines conventional military pressure with non-military tactics such as cyberattacks, disinformation, sabotage and economic pressure.
Macron also announced plans for a G7 meeting focused on the energy situation, including discussions on energy security and gas reserves with the European Commission.
The French government says the immediate priority is to strengthen national resilience and protect critical infrastructure as security tensions continue to rise across Europe.
