Headline: Macron Warns Russian Hybrid Threat Against Europe Is Intensifying

Date: 18 September 2026

Tags: France, Russia, European Security, Ukraine

Summary:

• French President Emmanuel Macron warned that Russian hybrid threats against France and other European countries had intensified.

• Macron ordered stronger protection for critical infrastructure and sensitive defence and technology facilities against drone and cyberattacks.

• He said France had experienced recent Russian hybrid attacks and warned they would not go unanswered.

• Macron cited the Leipzig airport drone attack and Polish warnings about potential Russian strikes against NATO countries.

• Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned Russia could conduct strikes while portraying them as accidental to divide NATO.

• A Russian drone recently struck a passenger train near the Ukraine-Poland border after passengers had been evacuated.

• Vladimir Putin has repeatedly denied plans to attack Europe, while Russia has warned against European troops entering Ukraine.

• Macron said Russia was attempting to intimidate European countries and weaken their support for Ukraine.

• France will call a G7 meeting focused on energy security and discuss European gas reserves with the European Commission.

• Macron said the G7 could consider releasing strategic energy reserves to reduce supply pressures.

Why this matters: European governments are strengthening security preparations amid warnings about cyberattacks, drones and other potential Russian hybrid operations.

What’s next: France will reinforce critical infrastructure protection while pursuing G7 discussions on energy security and possible strategic reserve releases.