A series of explosions rocked the Russian consulate in Marseille, France, on Saturday, prompting Moscow to label the incident an act of terrorism. The blasts occurred on the second anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, raising concerns over possible links to the ongoing conflict.
According to reports, the explosions damaged parts of the consulate building but caused no casualties. French authorities have launched an investigation into the incident, with security forces analyzing evidence to determine the cause and perpetrators behind the attack. While no group has claimed responsibility, Russian officials have strongly condemned the act, urging France to ensure the safety of its diplomatic missions.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry has called for a swift response from French authorities, emphasizing the need for heightened security around its embassies and consulates. The incident comes amid rising tensions between Russia and Western nations over the Ukraine war, with diplomatic ties already strained. Moscow has stated that it will closely monitor the investigation and take necessary measures to protect its diplomats abroad.
French officials have assured full cooperation in the probe, with security agencies working to establish whether the attack was politically motivated. The blasts have further heightened security concerns across Europe, as diplomatic missions have increasingly become targets amid geopolitical tensions.
As investigations continue, the attack on the Russian consulate adds another layer of complexity to already fragile international relations. Both France and Russia are expected to engage in further discussions regarding diplomatic security in the wake of the incident.