Macron Warns of Intensified Russian Hybrid Attacks; France to Convene G7 on Energy Security
French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that Russian hybrid attacks against Europe and France have intensified, citing incidents such as a drone attack on Leipzig airport. In response, Macron announced plans to protect critical infrastructure and stated that France would convene a G7 meeting to address energy security. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk also highlighted the risk of Russian strikes on NATO countries, while Russia denied involvement despite growing evidence.
French President Emmanuel Macron has issued a stark warning regarding the intensification of Russian hybrid attacks targeting Europe and France. Speaking from the Elysee Palace, Macron stated that France had been targeted by these non-military methods in recent weeks and emphasized that such actions would not go unanswered. 
Hybrid warfare is defined as the use of non-military tactics, including cyberattacks, sabotage, and misinformation, designed to destabilize an adversary without direct conventional conflict. To counter this threat, Macron ordered the implementation of a plan to protect critical infrastructure and defense industry sites within France.
The French leader cited specific recent incidents to illustrate the rising tension, including a drone attack on Leipzig airport in Germany last month, which was blamed on Russia. Additionally, there have been reports of suspicious fires at defense facilities across Europe, ranging from Italy to Estonia, with some nations attributing these events to Russian involvement.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk echoed these concerns, suggesting that Russia was planning drone and missile strikes against Poland and other NATO eastern flank countries. Tusk told Polish MPs that there was a real risk of strikes on NATO territory, noting that Moscow might claim such attacks were accidental in an attempt to split the alliance. This warning follows an incident where a Russian drone hit a passenger train near the Ukraine-Poland border shortly after former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson passed through the same line. Ukrainian authorities reported that all passengers were evacuated minutes before the strike at Yahodyn, which damaged the train's engine.
In response to the broader geopolitical pressures, particularly concerning energy security, Macron announced that France would convene a meeting of the G7 to discuss gas stocks and energy issues. The potential release or unlocking of strategic energy reserves is being considered amid fuel price inflation attributed to international circumstances.
Despite the growing evidence cited by European leaders, Russia continues to deny involvement in these hybrid activities. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that Russia does not plan to attack Europe. Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned European nations against sending troops to Ukraine, stating it would be seen as a declaration of war. Russia also reiterated its warning to the UK that British military facilities in Ukraine used to strike Russian territory are legitimate targets.
These developments occur against a backdrop of domestic political pressure in France, with hard-right opposition National Rally candidate Marine Le Pen currently leading polls for the April-May vote to replace Macron.