Macron orders plan to harden French infrastructure against Russian hybrid attacks

French President Emmanuel Macron has issued orders to bolster the nation's defense infrastructure against so-called "Russian hybrid attacks." Addressing political leaders in Paris on September 18, Macron stated that France is observing an escalating threat from Russia, particularly the "Russian hybrid threat hanging over Europeans and France." The president's interior minister has convened meetings with regional prefects to heighten vigilance against such attacks.

In response, the government is tasked with formulating a plan to safeguard critical infrastructure, sensitive defense facilities, and technology companies from potential drone and cyber assaults. Despite these warnings, Macron emphasized that France remains committed to supporting Ukraine and will respond to any hybrid attacks. "This will not go unanswered," he warned, though he did not detail the potential nature of the response.

According to CNN, Russian hybrid attacks against Europe aim to create an atmosphere of impending war without engaging in direct conflict. While Moscow might ultimately make a miscalculation, leading to a NATO response with military force, Macron maintained that France is not cowed by these tactics. "The aim of these actions is to intimidate us and disrupt efforts to support Ukrainians," he declared. "The result will be the opposite. We are not intimidated because we know that Ukraine's security is at stake today."