Macron orders plan to harden French infrastructure against Russian hybrid attacks

Speaking after a meeting with political party leaders in Paris on Sept. 18, Macron said France is detecting a growing threat from Russia.

“The threat, particularly the Russian hybrid threat hanging over Europeans and France, has intensified in recent weeks,” he said.

He said France’s interior minister had met with regional prefects to strengthen “vigilance in response to Russian hybrid attacks.”

Macron ordered the government to “prepare a plan to protect our critical infrastructure,” as well as the country’s “most sensitive” defense industry facilities and technology companies from drone and cyberattacks.

Despite these threats, Macron said France would continue supporting Ukraine and respond to Russian hybrid attacks.

“This will not go unanswered,” he said, without specifying what form the response would take.

“The aim of these actions is to intimidate us and disrupt efforts to support Ukrainians. The result will be the opposite. We are not intimidated because we know that Ukraine’s security is at stake today.”

On Sept. 17, CNN reported that Russia’s hybrid attacks against Europe were intended to create a sense that war was approaching without escalating to direct conflict. However, Moscow could eventually make a mistake and cross a line that would force NATO to respond with military force, the report said.