France and Switzerland take measures to counter Russian hybrid threats

France and Switzerland have raised concerns about Russian hybrid threats and have ordered measures and adopted strategies to counter them.

French President Emmanuel Macron warned on September 18 of growing threats from Russian clandestine operations across Europe, saying he had ordered measures to protect critical infrastructure from Russian "hybrid attacks."

Macron vowed that Russia's attacks on French soil would not go unanswered.

"The Russian hybrid threat against Europeans and France has intensified," Macron told reporters after meeting with French political leaders.

The meeting was also attended by the heads of France's two intelligence agencies, who informed the leaders of their assessments regarding security.

Since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Kiev's European allies, including France, have raised the alarm about hybrid attacks, which they have linked to Russia.

These attacks are considered to be below the threshold of open warfare, however, and have included drone flights near important facilities, airspace violations, and cyberattacks.

Earlier this month, Berlin blamed Moscow for an incident at Leipzig airport, which the European Union said had all the hallmarks of “state-sponsored terrorism.” The incident highlighted the escalation in tactics Moscow is prepared to use against NATO countries.

Macron said he had ordered "the government to prepare a plan to protect our critical infrastructure" and the "most sensitive" facilities of the defense industry and technology from drone attacks and cyberattacks.

He added that France's Interior Minister is with mayors to increase vigilance.

Macron said that despite Russian threats, France will continue to support Ukraine and vowed that Paris will respond to Russian clandestine attacks.

"This will not remain unanswered," Macron said, without giving further details.

"The purpose of this is to intimidate us and hinder efforts to support the Ukrainians. The consequence will be the opposite. We are not intimidated, because we know that what is at stake today in Ukraine is our security," Macron stressed.

Also on September 18, the Swiss Government announced that the Federal Council has approved the Swiss Security Policy Strategy 2026.

"In response to the deteriorating security situation, Switzerland has three objectives: strengthening resilience, improving protection and increasing defense capacities," the announcement said.

According to Switzerland, Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, hybrid threats and critical dependencies pose challenges for the state, economy and society.

She said that the international security situation is becoming increasingly unstable and unpredictable, emphasizing that hybrid threats are growing and critical infrastructure is becoming more vulnerable.

"With the Security Policy Strategy 2026, the Federal Council is positioning Switzerland to cope with this environment. The strategic priorities for the coming years are strengthening resilience, improving resilience and defense capacities, and strengthening defense capabilities," the Swiss Government said in a statement.

The new strategy, according to Switzerland, has 46 measures and ten main goals which will begin to be implemented immediately.

"The strategy prioritizes measures that combat the threats that are most likely to occur: hybrid and remote attacks and organized crime within Switzerland."/REL