France Orders New Defenses as Russia’s Hybrid Attacks on Europe Intensify

France Orders New Defenses as Russia’s Hybrid Attacks on Europe Intensify

French President Emmanuel Macron says Russian hybrid attacks across Europe are getting worse and has ordered his government to protect critical infrastructure and defense industry sites.

· 2 min read ·
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French President Emmanuel Macron announced Friday that he has ordered new measures to protect France's critical infrastructure and defense industry sites from what he called increasing Russian hybrid attacks [244637]. Macron said the Russian hybrid attacks against Europe are intensifying and that he has directed his government to take action to protect these key sites [244972].

Macron spoke to reporters in Paris after meeting with political party leaders. The talks covered recent international developments, including the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine [244637].

The French leader's warning comes as Russia continues to trade sanctions with European countries. Moscow recently expanded its entry ban list in response to the European Union's 21st package of sanctions, blocking more EU officials from entering Russian territory [244597]. Russia did not say how many people were added to the list, and the EU has not yet responded [244597].

In a separate move, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Thursday allowing authorities to seize the remaining assets of Swiss food giant Nestlé and three French companies in Russia [243986]. The French firms affected are grocery chain Auchan, DIY retailer Leroy Merlin, and another unnamed company. The decree places their Russian operations under temporary state control [243986].

Nestlé is reviewing its options after Russia placed the Swiss food giant's local assets under temporary external administration [244250]. The company has not yet said whether it will challenge the decision or adjust its Russian operations [244250].

Russia has repeatedly taken similar steps against foreign businesses since the war in Ukraine began, targeting companies from countries it calls "unfriendly" [243986]. The two sides continue to trade sanctions, with each new package from Brussels met by a countermeasure from Moscow [244597].

Sources

Putin seizes Nestlé and French assets in sanctions retaliation #243986Putin Seizes Nestlé’s Russian Assets #244250Russia strikes back: EU officials banned from entry #244597Macron: France to counter Russian hybrid attacks #244637Macron: Russian hybrid attacks on Europe are worsening #244972

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