Macron Warns of Intensifying Russian Threat, Orders Infrastructure Protection

French President Emmanuel Macron announced Friday that his government is developing a plan to shield critical infrastructure, including sensitive defense industry sites, from drone and cyberattacks. The directive comes amid what Macron described as an intensifying Russian hybrid threat.

"In recent weeks, the threat — particularly the Russian hybrid threat — facing Europeans and France has intensified," Macron stated at the Elysee Palace following a meeting with political party leaders. He specifically pointed to drone and cyberattacks targeting essential infrastructure, aligning with the European Union's definition of Russian hybrid activities, which includes sabotage, cyberattacks, disinformation, and interference in democratic processes.

Macron asserted that these attacks would not go unanswered, accusing Moscow of attempting to intimidate Europeans into reducing their support for Ukraine. "We are not intimidated," he declared, emphasizing that Europe's present and future security is linked to the outcome in Ukraine.

The French president also indicated his intention to convene a Group of Seven meeting in the coming weeks to coordinate responses to the ongoing energy crisis. He connected the surge in energy prices to the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as disruptions to shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Acknowledging the financial strain on households, Macron recognized that the rising energy costs are "very difficult and distressing for many families."