French President Emmanuel Macron on September 18 ordered new measures to protect the country’s critical infrastructure from Russian hybrid attacks, including drone incursions and cyber threats.
Macron made the announcement following a meeting with presidential candidates and party leaders at the Élysée Palace, where he stated that Russia’s hybrid threat against France and Europe has intensified in recent weeks. He emphasized that any attacks on French soil would face a response, framing the measures as necessary to safeguard national security.
Immediate Actions & Core Facts
- Macron directed his government to develop a plan to protect critical infrastructure, including defense industry sites and technology facilities, from Russian hybrid threats. This follows reports of drone flights near sensitive locations, airspace violations, and cyberattacks linked to Moscow.
- The French president also announced plans to convene a G7 meeting in the coming weeks to address energy security and strategic gas reserves, framing the discussion as a response to escalating hybrid threats.
Deeper Dive & Context
French Intelligence Briefing
The meeting at the Élysée Palace included briefings from Nicolas Lerner, head of France’s foreign intelligence service (DGSE), and Celine Berthon, head of the domestic intelligence agency (DGSI). Macron described the session as an opportunity to share confidential intelligence assessments on current security challenges, particularly those tied to Russia’s war in Ukraine.
European-Wide Warnings
Macron’s remarks align with growing concerns across Europe about Russian hybrid warfare tactics, which have included:
- Drone incursions near critical infrastructure, such as the September 13 attack on a Kyiv-Warsaw passenger train near Poland’s border, which occurred shortly after European diplomats used the same route.
- Airspace violations, including an incident at Leipzig Airport in Germany, which the European Union attributed to Moscow.
- Cyberattacks targeting government and private sector systems.
Political Reactions in France
The meeting included centrist leaders Édouard Philippe and Gabriel Attal, as well as Jordan Bardella, head of the far-right National Rally party. Notably absent were Marine Le Pen, the National Rally’s presidential candidate leading in polls, and Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a prominent left-wing figure.
Russian Denials & Escalation Risks
Russia has denied involvement in hybrid attacks, but Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned European countries against deploying troops to Ukraine, stating that such actions would be considered a declaration of war. Lavrov added that any direct conflict with Russia would result in a rapid and decisive response.
Analysts’ Perspectives
Experts suggest Russia’s hybrid tactics are designed to undermine European support for Ukraine by creating a perception of increasing insecurity. Matthew Arnold, program director at the London School of Economics’ LSE IDEAS, noted that Moscow’s strategy aims to erode public confidence in stability across the continent.
Background: Hybrid Warfare Defined
Hybrid warfare refers to non-military tactics—such as cyberattacks, disinformation, sabotage, and drone incursions—that fall below the threshold of open conflict but serve strategic objectives. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, European leaders have increasingly highlighted these threats as a direct challenge to regional security.
What’s Next?
France’s government is expected to finalize its protection plan in the coming weeks, with the G7 energy meeting serving as a platform to coordinate a broader European response. Macron has framed the measures as essential to preserving stability amid what he describes as an escalating Russian threat.
Key Dates & Statements
- September 13: Drone attack on a passenger train near the Ukraine-Poland border.
- September 18: Macron’s announcement of new defense measures and G7 energy meeting plans.
- August 2024: Leipzig Airport drone incident, attributed to Russia by the European Union.
French Government’s Stance
A spokesperson for Macron’s office stated that the measures are not a provocation but a necessary precaution in response to verified threats. The government has not provided further details on the specific nature of the hybrid attacks or the timeline for implementation.