French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that the threat of hybrid attacks by Russia against Europe and France has intensified. Speaking at a news conference at the Elysee Palace, Macron said he had instructed the French government to prepare a plan to protect critical infrastructure and defence industry sites in the face of this threat.

Macron stated that France had been targeted by Russian hybrid attacks in recent weeks, which would not be left "without a response." He emphasized that the intent of these attacks is to intimidate Europe and break its efforts to support Ukraine. "The result will be the exact opposite. We are not intimidated because we know that our security today and tomorrow is at stake in Ukraine," he said.

The French president mentioned last month's drone attack on Leipzig airport in Germany, which has been blamed on Russia, and 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. He noted that a growing number of European leaders have warned that Russia may be preparing attacks to test their commitment to supporting Ukraine.

Macron added that the government had been tasked with protecting critical infrastructure and the "most sensitive" defence industry and technology sites against drone and cyberattacks. He also announced that France would call a meeting of the G7 to discuss energy and raise the question of gas stocks with the European Commission.

"In the coming weeks, we will have a G7 meeting devoted to these energy issues, both to strengthen cooperation and to avoid unnecessary tensions between the G7 countries and our main partners," Macron said. According to him, the meeting will also be an opportunity to consider options for a possible release or unlocking of strategic reserves.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk