An incendiary device exploded outside the Russian consulate in Marseille early Monday
An incendiary device exploded outside the Russian consulate in Marseille early Monday, French authorities reported, marking the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. No injuries were recorded, although a second device—thrown at the consulate’s perimeter—failed to detonate and was later rendered safe by a bomb disposal expert.
Local police confirmed that the suspect fled the scene immediately, and an investigation is underway. Authorities have not yet disclosed any details about the suspect or a potential motive.
Marseille, France’s second-largest city and a key Mediterranean port, is known for its diversity but does not have a particularly large Russian community. The attack coincides with a series of protests against Russia’s military actions in Ukraine that have swept across French cities since the conflict began.
In response to the incident, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described the explosion as exhibiting “all the hallmarks of a terrorist attack,” a claim that underscores the heightened rhetoric surrounding the ongoing war.
While local investigators work to piece together the circumstances, many in the international community view the timing as a deliberate provocation—a symbolic gesture aimed at the anniversary of the invasion. As security remains tight around Russian diplomatic sites across Europe, this latest episode adds to a growing list of incidents that have raised concerns over the safety of foreign missions in the region.
More details will be released as the investigation continues.
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