Macron warns Russia over hybrid threats, vows European response

French President Emmanuel Macron said his country has faced threats from multiple Russian hybrid attacks in recent weeks, stressing that these actions will not go unanswered by Europeans.

Following a meeting in Paris with political party leaders to discuss the latest international developments, Macron added that threats against Europe and France have escalated in recent weeks, particularly what he described as the "Russian hybrid threat." He warned that Moscow would be making a grave mistake if it continues on this path.

According to Al Arabiya, Macron stated, "The aim of these attacks is to intimidate us and undermine our efforts to support Ukrainians. The result will be exactly the opposite." He cited the discovery of an explosive drone at Leipzig Airport in Germany this summer as an example, adding, "We are not afraid because we know our security, today and tomorrow, is at stake in Ukraine."

Macron revealed that he has asked the French government to "prepare a plan to protect vital French infrastructure" from Russian hybrid attacks, noting that "the nature of Russian aggression and threats in Europe is changing."

The French president called for increased "vigilance" in the face of these threats and for the development of "a plan to protect vital installations and the most sensitive sites in our defense industrial and technological base from drone and cyberattacks."

In the same context, Macron said a G7 meeting will be held in the coming weeks to strengthen cooperation among member states and help secure supplies amid the current energy crisis, as well as to enhance cooperation and avoid unnecessary tensions between the group and its key partners.