TWO pro-Ukrainian protestors were arrested today suspected of throwing petrol bombs at the Russian consulate in France.
At least 30 firemen rushed to the scene of the loud blast while special forces secured the perimeter of the embassy in Marseille.
The Russian Consulate in Marseille was in lockdown after a blaze broke out from the explosions inside.
The blasts were caused by three Molotov Cocktails that were thrown in over the walls of the property, a Marseille police source confirmed.
Two unidentified men aged 40 and 50 were arrested at the pro-Ukrainian demonstration outside Marseille City Hall.
Police said: “There were two loud explosions and material damage, but nobody was injured.
“One of the improvised devices went off, while the other one failed to explode.
“A Navy bomb disposal team attended the scene and made the second device safe.
“Forensics officers are looking for evidence, and CCTV footage is being examined, so as to establish the extent of the attack on the consulate.
“The building remains in lockdown, and a criminal enquiry has been launched.”
A stolen car was also found near the scene of the explosion.
Stanislav Oransky, the Russian Consul General in Marseille confirmed that “there was an explosion inside the building”.
He said plastic bottles were used, and that all of his staff were unharmed.
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=” Zelensky says he is prepared to STEP DOWN as Ukrainian president if it will bring peace as Trump and Russia hold talks” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6369224443112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]Meanwhile, the Russian foreign ministry has claimed that the explosion has “all the hallmarks of a terrorist attack” – without providing any evidence.
Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said: “The explosions on the territory of the Russian Consulate General in Marseille have all the hallmarks of a terrorist attack.
“We demand exhaustive and prompt measures to investigate, as well as steps to strengthen the security of Russian foreign missions.”
There were no immediate claims of responsibility for the attack on the Consulate.
The blast came on the third anniversary of Russia’s ground invasion of Ukraine.
French President Emmanuel Macron is in Washington for an emergency meeting about the war with President Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelensky today hailed Ukrainians for their “bravery and sacrifice” throughout the three years of the bloody war.
The valiant leader shared a patriotic clip of courageous soldiers fighting the invading Russians and civilians pulling together to mark the sad occasion.
Set to stirring music, Zelensky shared footage of fearless Ukrainian troops fighting over three years and thanked them.
The clip also shows civilians protesting against Russia, doctors in surgery, and firefighters in bombed-out buildings.
Zelensky says: “Three years of resistance. Three years of gratitude.
“Three years of support. Three years of unity. Three years of assistance.
“Three years of full-scale war is a very long time, but the Ukrainian people have defended their right to independence and to a state of their own.”
