Macron: Paris to not leave Russian hybrid attacks without response

French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that the threat of Russian hybrid attacks against France and Europe has intensified, saying Paris would not leave recent incidents “without a response.”

Speaking at a news conference at the Élysée Palace, Macron said he had instructed the French government to prepare a plan to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive defence industry sites from potential attacks, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media. 

France had been targeted by Russian hybrid attacks in recent weeks, Macron said, adding that the country would respond to such actions.

A growing number of European leaders have warned that Russia could seek to test European countries’ commitment to supporting Ukraine.

Macron made the remarks after meeting political party leaders to discuss the security implications of the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.

He said the government had been tasked with strengthening protection for critical infrastructure and the “most sensitive” defence industry and technology sites against drone and cyberattacks.

Macron also announced that France would call a G7 meeting to discuss energy issues and raise the question of gas stocks with the European Commission.

By Sabina Mammadli