Explosions near Russian consulate in France, Moscow brands it 'terrorist attack'

Explosions hit Russian consulate in France's Marseille on Monday, Russian foreign ministry characterised it as the "hallmarks of a terrorist attack."

"The explosions on the territory of the Russian Consulate General in Marseille have all the hallmarks of a terrorist attack," TASS quoted Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova as saying.

Meanwhile, the authorities reported that an explosive device detonated outside the Russian Consulate in Marseille, coinciding with the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Officials reported that a second device was thrown but failed to detonate, requiring the presence of a bomb disposal specialist.

The individual responsible for the incident escaped from the scene, prompting an investigation, according to an official who spoke anonymously due to national police regulations preventing public identification. The authorities have not disclosed any information about the suspect's identity or the potential reasons behind the attack.

Russia insisted for a comprehensive French probe into the blasts at its consulate in Marseille.

"We demand (from France) exhaustive and prompt measures to investigate, as well as steps to strengthen the security of Russian foreign missions," Zakharova added.

The occurrence in the southern French city coincided with the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
French news outlets had earlier reported hearing an explosion near the consulate, with firefighters present at the location.