Russia's hybrid war: Macron orders critical infrastructure protection plan

French President Emmanuel Macron has ordered his government to prepare a "protection plan" for critical infrastructure across the country, warning that Russian aggression in Europe is entering a dangerous new phase. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Macron said the nature of Russian hostility is changing and that Moscow has intensified "hybrid" attacks against France and other European nations in recent weeks. Hybrid warfare combines military and non-military tactics, including cyberattacks, disinformation, and sabotage. The announcement follows a recent incident involving Russian drones at Leipzig airport in Germany. Macron said French intelligence services have also detected a rise in hostile acts on French soil. "We will continue to protect ourselves against foreign interference and cyberattacks," Macron said after meeting with leaders of France's main political parties at the Élysée Palace to discuss international security and its impact on France. The new plan will focus on protecting critical infrastructure and the most sensitive sites in France's defense industrial and technological sectors against drone attacks and cyberattacks. Macron said the decision was made during a National Defense and Security Council meeting on Wednesday. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau then gathered regional prefects on Thursday to raise the level of readiness and surveillance. Since the summer, Russia has carried out multiple attacks and incidents, according to Macron. These include a drone attack on a train connecting Kyiv to Warsaw, an attempted attack in Leipzig, a rocket launch near a Danish frigate, and several incursions into European airspace. France is also strengthening its tools to fight foreign interference. The country created Viginum five years ago, an agency tasked with detecting and combating foreign information manipulation operations. Paris is cooperating with countries including Romania and Moldova against these threats. Despite the growing danger, Macron defended continued French and European support for Ukraine, saying it is necessary for France's security and for achieving a "just and lasting" peace. France and the United Kingdom are coordinating a "coalition of volunteers," whose participating countries plan to hold exercises on European territory in the coming weeks.