Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, announced on Friday that he has asked his government to prepare a plan to protect critical infrastructure, including sensitive defense industry sites, against drone and cyber attacks. This request comes in light of the increasing hybrid threats from Russia.
Increasing Hybrid Threats
Macron stated: "In recent weeks, the threat, especially the hybrid threat from Russia, has intensified for Europeans and for France." He made these remarks following a meeting with political party leaders at the Élysée Palace.
The French President specifically referred to the threat of drone and cyber attacks against critical infrastructure. The European Union describes Russia's hybrid activities as including sabotage, cyber attacks, misinformation, and interference in democratic processes.
Response to Attacks
Macron warned that these attacks will not go unanswered and accused Moscow of trying to encourage Europeans to weaken their support for Ukraine. He said: "We will not be influenced" and argued that the security of present and future Europe is at risk in Ukraine.
Additionally, Macron announced that a meeting of the Group of Seven industrialized nations will be held in the coming weeks to coordinate a response to the energy crisis. He linked rising energy prices to conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine and disruptions in transport through the Strait of Hormuz.
Macron also pointed to the pressure from rising energy costs on families, stating: "The situation is very difficult and concerning for many families." These remarks come as rising prices in Europe have become a hot topic.
Source: abcnews.com
