On February 24, 2023, shortly before 8 AM, two homemade explosive devices detonated at the front of the Russian consulate in Marseille, France, marking the third anniversary of the conflict in Ukraine.

According to police sources, the incident involved three plastic soda bottles that were launched toward the consulate's façade, resulting in no injuries.

The area surrounding the consulate, located in the VIIIth arrondissement of Marseille, was promptly cordoned off by law enforcement, as confirmed by on-site reports.

Later in the morning, the Bouches-du-Rhône prefecture released a statement clarifying that three 500 ml soda bottles had been thrown into the consular gardens, two of which exploded and created noise.

Residues from the contents of these bottles are currently undergoing analysis.

The Marseille prosecutor's office announced the initiation of a preliminary investigation for degradation by explosive or incendiary substances, assigned to the Organized and Specialized Crime Division.

It was emphasized by the prosecutor’s office that there were no injuries or damage resulting from the explosions.

Two men, identified through surveillance footage, were apprehended later that evening.

The prosecutor's office confirmed that the detained individuals are both adults but did not provide further contextual details regarding their arrests.

In response to the incident, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the event as a 'terrorist attack.' With the ongoing conflict in Ukraine entering its fourth year, spokeswoman Maria Zakharova demanded that the host country undertake thorough investigations and enhance security measures for Russian diplomatic missions.

The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a condemnation of any attack on diplomatic security, reiterating that the sanctity, protection, and integrity of diplomatic and consular missions, as well as their personnel, are fundamental principles of international law.

Marseille firefighters deployed around thirty personnel to the site.

Journalists on the ground reported hearing two detonations attributed to a bomb disposal robot.

A witness, cited by local media, described the sounds as reminiscent of firecrackers or bursting balloons.

Demining operations concluded around 11:30 AM, as reported by a technical team member, with the area being gradually secured.

A police representative stated that the cordon around the area might be lifted by 2 PM. The Russian consulate is situated in a residential neighborhood that also houses several other foreign diplomatic representations in France's second-largest city.

As of 1 PM, further updates were anticipated as new information emerged and as two suspects were taken into custody.