An explosion occurred early Monday at the Russian Consulate General in Marseille, France, coinciding with the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The blast, which Russian authorities have denounced as a “terrorist attack,” has prompted demands for a comprehensive investigation by French officials.
The incident took place within the consulate premises in Marseille, a major port city in southern France. Stanislav Oranskiy, the Russian Consul General in Marseille, confirmed the explosion, noting that while there were no casualties, the event has raised significant concerns. Local media reported that unidentified individuals threw containers filled with incendiary substances into the consulate’s garden, leading to the detonation. A second device was discovered and safely neutralized by bomb disposal experts.
In response to the attack, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that the incident bears “all the hallmarks of a terrorist attack.” The ministry has called upon French authorities to conduct a thorough and swift investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible. Additionally, Russia has urged France to enhance security measures at Russian diplomatic missions throughout the country to prevent future occurrences.
French law enforcement agencies have initiated a criminal investigation into the explosion. Special forces and police units secured the area surrounding the consulate, while approximately 30 emergency responders managed the situation on-site. Authorities have not yet disclosed information regarding potential suspects or motives behind the attack. A stolen vehicle was reportedly found near the scene, though its connection to the incident remains under investigation.
This event occurs amidst a backdrop of strained relations between France and Russia, particularly following Russia’s annexation of Crimea and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. France has been vocal in its opposition to Russia’s actions, participating in international sanctions and expressing support for Ukraine’s sovereignty. The French populace has also demonstrated against the war, with numerous protests occurring in cities like Marseille and Paris since the conflict’s inception in 2022.
The timing of the explosion is notable, as it aligns with the third anniversary of Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine. On this day, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised the resilience and bravery of the Ukrainian people, acknowledging “three years of resistance” against Russian aggression. The international community has also marked the occasion, with several European and Canadian leaders visiting Kyiv to reaffirm their support for Ukraine.
