Friday, 18 September 2026

Dissenting Citizen

Questioning the stories we're told.

Dissenting Citizen

Questioning the stories we're told.

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Macron orders critical-infrastructure protection plan as Russian hybrid threat intensifies

Dissenting Citizen02 mins
Editorial illustration of French officials reviewing critical-infrastructure security risks involving drones and cyber attacks.

French President Emmanuel Macron has ordered his government to develop new protections for critical infrastructure as France warns that Russian hybrid activity has intensified in recent weeks.

The measures will focus particularly on threats from drones and cyber attacks.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said state services and local authorities involved in protecting critical infrastructure will be mobilised as the government develops its response.

Macron said the alleged Russian activity is intended to intimidate European governments and weaken their support for Ukraine.

Russia rejects European accusations that it is conducting hybrid attacks and has described such claims as baseless.

Protecting critical infrastructure

France’s plans come amid growing European concern about attacks and disruption that fall short of conventional military action.

Hybrid threats can include cyber attacks, sabotage, interference with infrastructure, drones and other operations where responsibility or intent may initially be difficult to establish.

European governments have repeatedly accused Russia of involvement in such activity since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, allegations Moscow denies.

France is now examining how critical sites can be better protected against both physical and digital threats.

The measures are expected to involve cooperation between national government agencies, security services and organisations responsible for infrastructure around the country.

The announcement follows a series of European security warnings involving drones, cyber activity and suspected sabotage.

NATO countries have also increased surveillance and protection of infrastructure including energy facilities, communications networks and transport links.

Macron’s instruction moves the issue directly into French domestic security planning.

The government will now develop measures intended to make critical infrastructure more resilient against attacks that may occur without the clear warning or attribution associated with conventional warfare.

Sources

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