Explosive Devices Target Russian Consulate in France on Ukraine War Anniversary
On the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, two explosive projectiles reportedly detonated near the Russian consulate in Marseille, France, on Monday.
A third projectile, described as a soda bottle, was reportedly thrown over the consulate’s perimeter wall but did not explode. Reuters reports that there were no injuries, and investigators are analyzing the contents of the devices.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told TASS that the incident “exhibit[s] all the signs of a terrorist attack” and urged France to investigate and improve security for Russian facilities.
The motive remains unclear, but the incident coincided with the Ukraine war’s anniversary.
An unnamed official told The Associated Press that a single suspect fled the scene.
Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to comment.
Photos from the scene show firefighters and first responders outside the consulate entrance.
Staff were held inside the building while bomb disposal officers examined the devices.
Marseille has seen numerous protests against Russia’s war in Ukraine since the invasion began on Feb. 24, 2022.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
“`