Macron: Russian hybrid attacks on Europe intensify

French President Emmanuel Macron warned that Russian “hybrid” attacks against Europe and France have grown more intense in recent weeks and announced steps to harden key infrastructure. He told reporters at the Élysée Palace that he has ordered a plan to protect critical infrastructure and defense-industry sites facing this threat.

Macron links recent incidents and allied warnings

Macron said France has been the target of Russian hybrid activity in recent weeks and pledged the country would not leave such actions "without response." He framed the campaign as an attempt to frighten European states and weaken their resolve to support Ukraine.

The president mentioned last month’s drone strike against Leipzig airport in Germany, which has been blamed on Russia, and referred to recent comments by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk that Moscow may be preparing drone and missile attacks against Poland and other countries on NATO’s eastern flank.

Explaining the term, the article noted that "hybrid war" or "hybrid attacks" typically describe measures that do not use direct military force—such as cyberattacks, sabotage or disinformation—to exert pressure and destabilize. Such activities are often carried out through intermediaries, and while Russia routinely denies involvement, investigators point to growing evidence to the contrary.

Macron made the remarks after a meeting with party leaders where the security implications of the wars in the Middle East and in Ukraine were discussed. He said the objective behind the hybrid operations was to intimidate and erode support for Ukraine, but insisted France and its partners would not be cowed.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk told Polish MPs that he sees a "real risk" of drone and missile strikes on countries supporting Ukraine and warned Moscow could attempt to present any such strikes as "accidental" incidents designed to split the Alliance.

Photo: press material from the event