French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that Russia’s hybrid activities targeting Europe and France have intensified in recent weeks, as European countries face growing security concerns linked to the war in Ukraine.
Macron made the remarks on Friday after meeting political party leaders at the Élysée Palace in Paris to discuss international developments and security issues.
“In recent weeks, the Russian hybrid threat against Europeans and against France has intensified,” he said.
Macron said Russia’s activities were intended to pressure European countries over their support for Ukraine but argued that such efforts would not weaken France’s position.
“The intent is to intimidate us and break our effort 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,” Macron said.
European governments have increasingly raised concerns over what they describe as Russian hybrid activities, including cyber operations, attacks on critical infrastructure and other disruptive actions.
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Macron also discussed energy security and the need for greater coordination among members of the Group of Seven, or G7, amid continuing concerns over energy supplies and international tensions.
“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.
He added that the meeting could also examine measures involving countries’ emergency energy supplies.
“It will also be an opportunity to consider options for a possible release or unlocking of strategic reserves,” he said.
Macron’s comments come as European governments continue to strengthen security cooperation and support Ukraine while attempting to protect critical infrastructure from emerging threats.
France has remained a prominent supporter of Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022. Macron has repeatedly called for stronger European cooperation on defence and security as the conflict continues.
The French president’s latest warning highlights concerns among European leaders that the confrontation with Russia extends beyond the battlefield in Ukraine and includes broader security, cyber and economic challenges affecting European countries.
