France warns of escalating hybrid warfare and foreign interference

France must prepare for an escalation of violent attacks on its soil as hybrid warfare and foreign interference intensify across Europe, according to French security services. Céline Berthon, Director General of the General Directorate for Internal Security (DGSI), highlighted the discovery of an explosive device near a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig airport in Germany as a stark warning.

This incident, which occurred at a key logistics hub for military equipment bound for Ukraine, underscores the need to consider direct and potentially violent hostile actions within France. While Berthon did not directly name Russia in relation to the Leipzig incident, she noted that "the hardening of the Russian stance is one of the main reasons for concern." She stated that since 2022, France has witnessed a "dramatic and significant increase in acts of interference on our national territory."

These interference acts range from high-profile symbolic actions, such as the spray-painting of Stars of David on buildings in Paris, to extensive disinformation campaigns orchestrated by networks linked to Russia. Berthon described these activities as part of a "beginning of a war" that, while not a conventional physical or military conflict, involves direct attacks on French territory. The DGSI's assessment points to a growing threat landscape that requires heightened vigilance and preparedness.

The agency's warning comes amid broader concerns about state-sponsored destabilization efforts in Europe. The increasing sophistication and boldness of these hybrid threats necessitate a robust response from national security apparatuses. France, like other European nations, is grappling with the challenge of identifying and countering these often covert operations that aim to sow discord and undermine national security.