French President Emmanuel Macron has issued a warning regarding the intensification of Russian hybrid attacks targeting both France and the broader European region. Speaking at the Elysee Palace, Macron stated that these non-military operations—which include cyberattacks, sabotage, and misinformation—are intended to intimidate European nations and undermine their collective support for Ukraine.

In response to the perceived threat, the French government has initiated a strategic plan to bolster the security of critical infrastructure and sensitive defense industry sites. Macron emphasized that recent hostile actions against France would not go unanswered, asserting that the nation remains undeterred in its commitment to Ukrainian security.

The French leader’s concerns align with warnings from other European officials, including Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who recently highlighted the risk of Russian drone and missile strikes on NATO territory. These incidents, which Moscow frequently denies, have included suspicious fires at defense facilities across Europe and a recent drone strike on a train near the Ukraine-Poland border. Macron noted that the objective of these provocations is to test the unity of the Western alliance.

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Beyond security, Macron addressed the economic implications of regional instability, specifically regarding energy. He announced plans to convene a G7 meeting to discuss energy cooperation and the potential utilization of strategic gas reserves. Domestically, the President urged political figures to avoid politicizing fuel price inflation, attributing the current economic pressures to international circumstances rather than government policy.

While Russian President Vladimir Putin has publicly denied intentions to attack Europe, Russian officials have issued stern warnings against Western military involvement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, labeling British military facilities as potential targets if used to strike Russian territory.

Source: BBC News