### Tensions Escalate as Russian Consulate in Marseille Targeted by Explosive Attack On February 24, 2025, an explosion occurred at the Russian Consulate General in Marseille, France, coinciding with the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The incident involved incendiary devices, reportedly Molotov cocktails, thrown over the consulate's perimeter wall, resulting in two explosions but fortunately no reported injuries. The Russian government has condemned the attack, labeling it a "terrorist act" and demanding a thorough investigation from French authorities [https://menafn.com/1109256001/Blast-At-Russian-Consulate-In-Marseille-Russia-Labels-Incident-As-Terrorist-Attack][https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-says-blasts-marseille-consulate-look-like-terrorism-tass-reports-2025-02-24]. ### Breakdown of the Incident and Reactions 1. **Incident Overview** - An explosion occurred at the Russian consulate in Marseille, with two incendiary devices thrown over the wall [https://www.firstpost.com/world/two-major-individuals-arrested-for-blasts-at-russian-consulate-in-france-13866556.html]. - The attack coincided with the anniversary of the Ukraine invasion, raising concerns about its political implications [https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/24/incendiary-device-explodes-outside-russian-consulate-in-marseille]. 2. **Arrests Made** - French law enforcement arrested two individuals suspected of being involved in the attack, identified as supporters of Ukraine [https://www.rt.com/news/613325-marseille-consulate-ukraine-supporters]. - The arrests were made shortly after the incident, indicating a swift response from local authorities [https://uk.news.yahoo.com/france-arrests-two-arson-attack-092411505.html]. 3. **Russian Government's Response** - The Russian Foreign Ministry has characterized the incident as a terrorist attack, demanding a full investigation and enhanced security measures around its diplomatic facilities [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3275518-tensions-rise-after-explosions-at-russian-consulate-in-marseille]. - Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the ministry, stated that the attack exhibited all the hallmarks of terrorism [https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/2018394/russian-consulate-marseille-explosion-france]. 4. **Local and International Reactions** - The incident has sparked heightened tensions between Russia and France, with calls for increased security for diplomatic missions [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3275493-terrorist-explosions-rock-russian-consulate-in-marseille]. - Local residents expressed alarm over the explosions, which disrupted the typically quiet area surrounding the consulate [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3275453-explosion-near-russian-consulate-in-marseille-sparks-concern]. ### Summary of Findings **Key Conclusions:** 1. An explosive attack on the Russian consulate in Marseille has been classified as a terrorist act by the Russian government, coinciding with a politically significant date. 2. Two arrests have been made, indicating a proactive approach by French authorities in addressing the incident. 3. The attack has escalated diplomatic tensions and raised security concerns for Russian diplomatic missions abroad. **Supporting Evidence:** - The incident involved two explosive devices, with no injuries reported, but significant political ramifications are anticipated [https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/blast-heard-near-russian-consulate-french-city-marseille-say-media-2025-02-24]. - The Russian government has demanded a thorough investigation, highlighting the seriousness with which it views the attack [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3275518-tensions-rise-after-explosions-at-russian-consulate-in-marseille]. This incident underscores the volatile nature of international relations, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and the potential for localized actions to have broader geopolitical implications.