Macron orders a plan in France against attacks on critical infrastructure: "Russian aggressiveness is changing"

France’s President Emmanuel Macron has ordered the implementation of a new plan aimed at safeguarding the country’s critical infrastructure from escalating Russian hybrid attacks, according to official statements released on Friday. The move comes amid growing concerns over the intensifying nature of Moscow’s aggressive tactics, which have increasingly targeted European interests through cyber operations, drone strikes, and other non-traditional methods. During a meeting with Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, Macron instructed the government to prepare a comprehensive strategy to defend France’s vital infrastructure and sensitive defense-related sites against potential drone and cyber threats. He emphasized that the "aggressiveness" of Russia has evolved, leading to more frequent and sophisticated attacks targeting European nations, including France. This shift in tactics has prompted France to strengthen its defensive posture in response to what Macron described as a changing landscape of threats. The president pointed to several recent incidents as evidence of this trend. These included a suspected Russian drone strike near a Ukrainian cargo plane in early August, an attempt to fire flares at a Danish military helicopter in the Baltic Sea, and the discovery of a drone equipped with explosives on the runway at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany. German authorities have linked these actions to Russian-backed efforts to disrupt European stability. Macron reiterated that France remains committed to supporting Ukraine in light of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. He warned that Russia’s hybrid strategies, designed to intimidate and undermine Western solidarity, are unlikely to succeed. “What is at stake today in Ukraine is our security,” he stated, underscoring France’s resolve to resist intimidation. The French leadership has also pledged continued collaboration with neighboring countries facing similar threats. For example, France has supported initiatives in Romania and Moldova after those nations were subjected to cyberattacks and other forms of interference. Macron noted that France was among the first European nations to establish specialized units focused on countering foreign influence and cyber threats, including the creation of Viginum five years ago. This latest directive follows broader discussions within the European Union about the need for a unified approach to address hybrid threats. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently called for mechanisms akin to NATO to coordinate responses to non-military aggressions, such as drone incursions and cyberattacks. She cited the attempted drone attack on Leipzig Airport as one of many incidents highlighting the urgency of such measures. In parallel, Macron announced plans to work at both national and local levels to enhance preparedness against hybrid threats. His administration has urged officials across all administrative tiers to collaborate in developing robust countermeasures. Nuñez, during the security committee meeting, stressed the importance of unity within the French government to effectively confront emerging challenges. The French government has also expressed concern over the increasing frequency of drone incursions into the airspace of multiple European countries. A notable case occurred when an Italian fighter jet shot down a drone flying over Lithuania, which had entered the airspace from Belarus, a close ally of Russia. Such incidents underscore the complex and evolving nature of modern conflict, where traditional borders blur and new forms of warfare emerge. As the situation continues to evolve, France’s proactive stance reflects a broader European trend toward strengthening defenses against unconventional threats. While the exact scope and timeline of the new protection plan remain under discussion, the message is clear: France is preparing for a more aggressive and unpredictable form of geopolitical confrontation.