Macron warns of growing Russian threat: How ‘hybrid attacks’ are targeting Europe | Today’s news
French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday ordered his government to prepare a plan to protect the country’s critical infrastructure and sensitive defense and technology sites from what he described as Russia’s intensifying “hybrid threat”.
After a meeting with French political leaders in Paris, Macron said the threat to France and other European countries had increased in recent weeks. According to him, the measures will mainly focus on protection against drones and cyber attacks.
Macron also said France would continue to support Ukraine despite Russian threats, adding that the attacks were aimed at intimidating European countries and undermining their support for Kiev.
“This will not go unanswered,” Macron said, without specifying what response France might take.
What is Russian hybrid warfare?
Hybrid warfare refers to the use of multiple methods – military and non-military, overt and covert – to coerce or destabilize another country without necessarily provoking conventional armed conflict.
In the European context, authorities have attributed or investigated a number of activities linked to Russia, including:
-Cyber attacks and cyberespionage
-Sabotage of critical infrastructure
-Arson and proxy attacks
-Drone surveillance or invasion
– GPS interference and other electronic interference
-Disinformation and influence operations
-Interference with energy, transport and communication networks
The aim could range from stealing sensitive information to disrupting infrastructure, creating insecurity and imposing costs on countries supporting Ukraine, according to European governments and security agencies.
Russian hybrid attacks across Europe: key incidents
European governments have reported an increasing number of incidents they attribute to or are investigating Russian hybrid operations since Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
These activities go beyond conventional warfare and include cyber attacks, espionage, sabotage, arson, drone operations, GPS jamming and disinformation.
Key events
Nord Stream, 2022: The sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea has been investigated as a possible act of sabotage, with Western officials and sources accusing Russia of involvement.
GPS Breach, 2024: Baltic countries have reported widespread navigational jamming affecting aircraft, with Russia suspected of responsibility.
Undersea Cables, 2024: Several communication and power cables in the Baltic Sea have been damaged in incidents investigated as possible sabotage.
Cyber attacks: European officials have repeatedly reported cyber operations linked to Russia targeting governments and critical infrastructure, including energy facilities.
Arson and sabotage: European countries investigated fires and attempted attacks involving defense companies and facilities supporting Ukraine.
Espionage: Sweden said in August 2026 that it had disrupted a Russian intelligence operation allegedly aimed at influencing decision-making and discrediting Sweden and its allies.
Drone incidents: European authorities have reported suspicious drones near military, defense and transportation facilities, including an August 2026 incident at Germany’s Leipzig/Halle airport.
Assassination: In August 2026, Poland said it foiled an alleged plot ordered by Russia to assassinate an American-Ukrainian citizen.
Read also | Trump Gains New Power Against Putin
