Macron says Russian hybrid attacks on Europe and France have intensified

September 18, 2026 at 06:00 PM2 min

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French President Emmanuel Macron said Russian hybrid attacks against Europe and France have intensified in recent weeks. He tasked the government with preparing a plan to protect critical infrastructure and defence industry sites from drone and cyberattacks. Macron also announced a G7 meeting on energy issues in the coming weeks.

Key Facts

Macron said the Russian hybrid threat against Europeans and France has intensified in recent weeks.
The French government will prepare a plan to protect critical infrastructure and the most sensitive defence industry and technology sites from drone and cyberattacks.
France will call a G7 meeting devoted to energy issues in the coming weeks, including discussion of gas stocks with the European Commission.
Macron cited last month's drone attack on Leipzig airport in Germany, blamed on Russia, and remarks by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk about possible Russian strikes on NATO's eastern flank.

Hybrid Threat Warning

Macron told journalists at the Elysee Palace that the Russian hybrid threat against Europeans and France has intensified in recent weeks. He said the intent is to intimidate France and break its effort to support Ukraine, but the result will be the opposite. Macron added that France had been targeted by Russian hybrid attacks in the past few weeks which would not be left without a response. A growing number of European leaders have warned that Russia may be preparing attacks to test their commitment to supporting Ukraine.

Protection Plan

Macron said the interior minister will task the government with preparing a plan to protect critical infrastructure and the most sensitive defence industry and technology sites from drone and cyberattacks. The plan will cover critical infrastructure and the most vulnerable objects of the defence industry and technological base. Macron mentioned last month's drone attack on Leipzig airport in Germany, blamed on Russia, as an example of the threat. He also referenced remarks by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk suggesting Russia was planning drone and missile strikes against Poland and other countries on NATO's eastern flank.

Energy and G7 Meeting

Macron announced that France would call a meeting of the G7 to discuss energy and raise the question of gas stocks with the European Commission. He said the meeting will take place in the coming weeks and will focus on strengthening cooperation and avoiding unnecessary tensions between G7 countries and their main partners. Macron added that the meeting will also consider options for a possible release or unlocking of strategic reserves.