Last Updated:
Macron said France would continue supporting Ukraine despite the growing threats and warned that attacks linked to Russia would not go unanswered.
French President Emmanuel Macron.(Reuters File Photo)
French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday warned that Russia’s “hybrid threat” against France and other European countries had intensified, as he ordered new measures to protect critical infrastructure from possible drone and cyber attacks.
“The Russian hybrid threat against Europeans and against France has intensified,” Macron told reporters after a meeting with political leaders and presidential hopefuls at the Elysee Palace.
The meeting was held in the palace’s crisis room to brief political leaders on confidential intelligence assessments of the security situation. France’s foreign intelligence chief Nicolas Lerner and domestic intelligence chief Celine Berthon were also present.
Macron said he had ordered the government to prepare a plan to protect critical infrastructure, along with sensitive defence and technology sites, against drone and cyber attacks. He also said the interior minister had met regional officials to strengthen vigilance.
Macron Vows Response To Russian Attacks
Macron said France would continue supporting Ukraine despite the growing threats and warned that attacks linked to Russia would not go unanswered.
“This will not go unanswered,” he said, without giving details of a possible response.
He said Russia’s intention was to intimidate European countries and weaken their support for Ukraine, but added: “We are not intimidated.”
European countries have increasingly raised concerns about Russian hybrid operations since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Such activities can include cyber attacks, drone flights near sensitive locations and airspace violations, falling below the threshold of open warfare.
Intel Chiefs Brief Political Leaders
The meeting came amid wider concerns over incidents across Europe. Germany recently blamed Moscow for a drone incident at Leipzig airport, while the European Union said the episode showed signs of state involvement.
French authorities have also urged caution over a recent train derailment in Normandy that injured 44 people. A 300-kilogramme rail fragment was found on the tracks, prompting some politicians and police sources to raise the possibility of sabotage. Officials, however, stressed that there was no basis yet for firm conclusions.
After the meeting, centrist politician Edouard Philippe said France should continue sending clear messages to Russia while avoiding direct confrontation.
Green party leader Marine Tondelier said there were “serious reasons for concern” over what she described as Moscow’s destabilisation efforts.
(With inputs from agencies)
Quick Answers
Ask News18French President Emmanuel Macron has ordered his government to prepare a comprehensive plan to protect critical infrastructure, sensitive defense facilities, and technology sites against potential drone and cyber attacks. Additionally, the interior minister has met with regional officials to significantly step up security vigilance.
Ask News18About the Author
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, …Read More
September 18, 2026, 11:27 pm IST
Read More
Source link
[ad_3]
