French President Emmanuel Macron has said that what he described as Russia’s hybrid threat against France and other European countries has intensified in recent weeks.
Speaking at a news conference at the Elysee Palace after talks with party leaders, Macron said he had instructed the government to prepare measures to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive defence industry and technology sites.
He said the protection plans should address potential drone and cyberattacks. France, he added, had been targeted by Russian hybrid attacks in recent weeks, and these actions would not go unanswered.
Macron said the purpose of such activity was to intimidate European countries and weaken their support for Ukraine. He said France would not be intimidated, arguing that the country’s security was at stake in Ukraine both now and in the future.
European security concerns
The president referred to a drone attack on Leipzig airport in Germany last month that was blamed on Russia. He also cited comments from Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who said Russia was planning drone and missile strikes against Poland and other countries on Nato’s eastern flank.
A growing number of European leaders have warned that Russia could be preparing attacks intended to test their commitment to supporting Ukraine, according to Macron’s remarks.
The French leader was discussing the security implications of the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. He also announced that France would seek a G7 meeting on energy issues and raise the issue of gas stocks with the European Commission.
Macron said the proposed G7 discussion would aim to strengthen cooperation, prevent unnecessary tensions between G7 members and partners, and consider options for a possible release or unlocking of strategic reserves.
Source: BBC News
