French Scientists Confess to Explosive Attack on Russian Consulate in Marseille in Support of Ukraine

Two French researchers confessed to launching an attack on the Russian consulate in Marseille with improvised explosive devices, as reported by the local publication La Provence early Wednesday, citing anonymous sources.

The suspects were apprehended by French authorities just hours after they hurled three plastic soda bottles — two of which detonated — into the gardens of the consulate on Monday, coinciding with the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries.

Officials later recognized the individuals at a pro-Ukraine demonstration in a neighborhood located north of the consulate. According to La Provence, the suspects, identified as an engineer in his 50s and a chemist in his 40s, are affiliated with the French National Center for Scientific Research based in Paris.

The scientists not only confirmed their actions, stating they were motivated by their support for Ukraine, but also provided details about their approach, as reported by La Provence. They explained that they utilized their scientific knowledge to formulate a detonative mixture comprising nitrogen and other chemicals.

In accordance with the French penal code, the two men could face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison if found guilty of causing property damage with an explosive substance.