Macron Warns of Sharper Russian Hybrid Threat and Pushes Protection Plan
French President Emmanuel Macron warned on Sept. 18 that the Russian hybrid threat against France and Europe has grown stronger in recent weeks.
He spoke at a news conference at the Elysee Palace after meeting party leaders to talk about how the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine affect security, according to BBC.
Macron said France had faced Russian hybrid attacks in the past few weeks that "would not be left without a response." He did not publicly describe those incidents in the account of his remarks.
Hybrid attacks, in this context, mean harmful actions below the level of open war, such as cyber intrusions, disinformation, or sabotage. Think of them as pressure applied through many small channels rather than through a direct military strike.
He asked the government to prepare a plan to protect critical infrastructure and defence industry sites. The order covers critical infrastructure, the basic systems like power, transport and communications, and the most sensitive defence industry and technology sites, against drone and cyberattacks.
Macron also said France would call a G7 meeting in the coming weeks on energy cooperation and on possibly releasing strategic reserves. No date or place was given in the available account. Strategic reserves are government-held stocks of oil or gas that can be released to steady supply and prices.
NATO assessed as of Aug. 30 that there was no imminent threat of attack, even as a NATO official said Russia is stepping up hybrid acts in Europe, according to Reuters.
Some European officials assert that Russia is using hybrid warfare tactics to weaken European support for Ukraine, according to the Congressional Research Service. Paris has not, in the reported remarks, publicly tied the recent incidents to any specific change in Ukraine policy.
The broader context here is how France is describing risk. Convening party leaders frames the issue as national security, not only government policy. Pairing drones with cyberattacks points to two kinds of tests, one of fences and airspace, the other of computer networks and backup systems. Paris is using firm language without talking about direct armed conflict, and NATO's assessment keeps that line clear. Pressure through hybrid means can rise while signs of a regular military attack stay flat.
In my view, there are two tracks to watch. The home track is practical and moves faster: list priority sites, assign duties, strengthen defences, with private operators involved. The outside track is slower because it needs agreement: use the G7 to coordinate on energy. What response France chooses, whether public attribution, sanctions, expulsions, cyber measures or other tools, will show allies and Moscow how Paris reads the incidents. The energy meeting will be an early test of whether countries plan together or only discuss options.
