Explosion Rocks Russian Consulate In France's Marseille, No Casualties Reported

Last Updated:February 24, 2025, 14:46 IST

Unidentified attackers threw two Molotov cocktails inside the Russian consulate and a stolen car was also found in the premises, according to several reports.

The Russian consulate in Marseille, France was cordoned off after the incident. (Photo: X)

An explosion was heard near the Russian consulate on Avenue Ambroise-Paré on Monday, marking a tense start to the day that coincides with the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war.

The blast took place inside the consulate, Sputnik reported citing Stanislav Oransky, the Russian Consul General in Marseille.

As per reports, unidentified attackers threw two Molotov cocktails inside the consulate. A stolen car was also found near the scene of the emergency.

French media reports claim the explosion was likely caused by two Molotov cocktails thrown into the consulate’s garden. The damage was apparently limited to property within the consulate grounds.

No casualties have been reported so far. The area has been cordoned off by municipal police, with nearly 30 firefighters and law enforcement are working at the scene, according to multiple reports.

Russia Demands Full Investigation

Meanwhile, Russia demanded a full French investigation into explosions at its consulate in Marseille, which it said looked like an act of terrorism, according to TASS news agency.

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

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

Notably, the incident in the southern French city took place on the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war. France, a staunch supporter of Ukraine, has promised to engage in talks with US President Donald Trump for peace efforts.

Additionally, the European Union announced a new round of sanctions on Russia aimed at curbing its war effort. It is the 16th round of sanctions imposed by the 27-nation bloc on Russia since Moscow launched its all-out assault on Ukraine on February 24, 2022.

(with agency inputs)

Paris, France

News world Explosion Rocks Russian Consulate In France's Marseille, No Casualties Reported