Explosive devices thrown at Russian consulate in France
Three explosive devices were thrown at the Russian consulate in the southern French city of Marseille, on the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
There were no injuries reported after two of the projectiles blew up, France 24 via Reuters reported on February 24th.
French Police blocked off the consulate and consulate staff remained indoors. French outlet BFM TV said that Molotov cocktails landed in the consulate’s garden.
An investigation has been launched for the attack and investigators were examining the inside of the three soft drink bottles used in the attack, Reuters reported on February 24th.
But Russia has urged for a full French investigation, state news agency TASS has reported.
A Russian foreign ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova said the event had “all the hallmarks of a terrorist attack”.
“France condemns any infringement of the security of diplomatic compounds,” a foreign ministry spokesperson said. They added: “The inviolability, protection and integrity of diplomatic and consular compounds and their staff are fundamental principles in international law.”
Russian president Vladimir Putin launched a military invasion of pro-western Ukraine on February 24th 2022, starting the largest war in Europe since World War II.
France 24, Reuters, New York Times
