Macron orders infrastructure shield against Russian hybrid threats

French President Emmanuel Macron has ordered his government to prepare a plan to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive defense sites from intensifying Russian hybrid attacks, and announced France will convene a G7 energy meeting in the coming weeks to address soaring fuel prices. Speaking at a press conference at the Élysée Palace on September 18, Macron stated that the Russian hybrid threat against France and Europe has intensified in recent weeks. He said he had instructed the government to draw up a plan to shield critical infrastructure and the most sensitive defense industrial and technology sites against drone and cyber attacks. The announcement followed an unusual meeting with parliamentary party leaders and presidential candidates, which was held in the palace's crisis room. Intelligence chiefs briefed the political leaders on Russia's hybrid campaign and the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez had already met regional officials to strengthen vigilance, and the government is preparing to mobilize all state services and local stakeholders. Macron warned that attacks linked to Russia would not go unanswered.