Marseille, France – Two individuals have been arrested by French authorities following an incident where improvised explosive devices were thrown at the Russian consulate in Marseille. Taking place on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the attack caused no injuries as only two out of the three devices exploded. Moscow has labeled the event as a “terrorist attack,” while Paris has expressed condemnation towards any security breaches at diplomatic compounds.
The Marseille prosecutor’s office confirmed the arrests of the suspects, identifying them as adults without further details provided. According to reports from regional newspaper La Provence, the individuals were reportedly identified during a pro-Ukraine protest held on the same evening as the incident. Despite the explosives being thrown, residents in the neighborhood were unaware of any blasts occurring.
The incident on February 24, 2022, marked the invasion led by Russian President Vladimir Putin in pro-Western Ukraine, sparking one of the most significant conflicts in Europe since World War II. With tensions escalating between Russia and Ukraine, the throwing of explosive devices at the Russian consulate in Marseille adds to the heightened animosity between the two nations.
French authorities are continuing their investigation into the matter, seeking to determine the motives behind the attack and whether there are additional individuals involved. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing geopolitical tensions between Russia and Ukraine, reflecting the deep-rooted issues at play in the region. As diplomatic relations remain strained, the international community closely monitors developments in the aftermath of the attack in Marseille.