Macron says Russian hybrid attacks against Europe are intensifying

Macron highlights growing Russian hybrid threat

French President Emmanuel Macron told journalists at the Elysee Palace that the threat of Russian hybrid attacks on Europe and France has intensified in recent weeks. He said France has been targeted by such attacks and that a response would be forthcoming. Macron announced that a protective plan has been ordered for critical infrastructure and defence industry sites, including measures against drone and cyber attacks.

Recent incidents cited by the president

Macron referred to a drone attack on Leipzig airport in Germany that was blamed on Russia, as well as a Russian drone striking a passenger train near the Ukraine-Poland border. He also mentioned a series of suspicious fires at defence facilities from Italy to Estonia, which some affected countries have attributed to Russian activity. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has warned of possible Russian drone and missile strikes against NATO members supporting Ukraine.

Diplomatic context and remaining uncertainties

While Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, deny plans to attack Europe, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that European troop deployments to Ukraine could be seen as a declaration of war. Russia has also warned the UK that its military facilities in Ukraine could be targeted. The exact extent of Russian involvement in the cited incidents remains unverified, and independent confirmation of the attacks has not been provided.