Macron orders protection of infrastructure against Russian hybrid attacks

French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that Russia's hybrid attacks against Europe and France have grown more severe. During a press conference at the Élysée Palace, Macron informed of an order to safeguard crucial infrastructure and defense facilities. He stated that France had faced Russian hybrid attacks recently, which would not be disregarded without retaliation.

European leaders are increasingly concerned that Russia might be preparing tests of their commitment to Ukraine. Hybrid warfare encompasses non-military actions like cyberattacks, sabotage, or disinformation aimed at pressuring adversaries, often involving proxies. Russia consistently denies involvement in such attacks despite mounting evidence.

Macron discussed this issue with party leaders following a meeting concerning security impacts from the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. He referenced a drone attack on Leipzig Airport in Germany last month, attributed to Russia, and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk's comments suggesting Russia intended to launch drone and missile strikes against Poland and other NATO members in Eastern Europe.

Macron asserted that the Russian hybrid threat against Europeans and France has intensified, emphasizing that the Russian aim is to intimidate and undermine efforts to support Ukraine. On the contrary, his actions are intended to safeguard their security in Ukraine.

On Thursday, Tusk informed Polish MPs that Russia planned drone and missile strikes on countries supporting Ukraine, citing a "real risk" of such strikes on NATO countries. Moscow later claimed these were "accidental" to divide the alliance. A Russian drone struck a passenger train near the Ukraine-Poland border on Sunday, shortly after Boris Johnson and top European security officials passed through.

All passengers were evacuated minutes before the attack, which targeted the train's engine. Suspicious fires at defense facilities from Italy to Estonia have been reported, with some countries blaming Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin has denied plans to attack Europe, while Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned against sending troops to Ukraine, deeming it a declaration of war for Russia.

Russia also warned the UK that military installations in Ukraine used to target Russian territory would be "legitimate targets," reserving the right to counter-attack. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Macron also addressed the energy crisis, ordering the government to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive defense sites against drone and cyberattacks.

He announced a G7 meeting to discuss energy, specifically gas stocks with the European Commission, aiming to strengthen cooperation and avoid unnecessary tensions.