Moscow/Marseille

The Russian Foreign Ministry has stated that explosions near the Russian Consulate General in France's Marseille resemble a terrorist attack.

"The explosions on the territory of the Russian Consulate General in Marseille have all the hallmarks of a terrorist attack. We demand that the country accrediting them take comprehensive and prompt measures to investigate, as well as steps to strengthen the security of Russian foreign missions," said Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova to state-owned Tass news agency.

Reports from French and Russian media indicated the explosion occurred around 8 AM Monday near the consulate, although no casualties were reported.

Emergency services responded swiftly, with around 30 fire and rescue personnel deployed to the scene, according to French news channel BFMTV.

Unidentified individuals are believed to have thrown two incendiary devices into the consulate's garden, and a stolen car was found nearby, raising further security concerns.

The Russian Foreign Ministry has called on French authorities to investigate and enhance security around Russian diplomatic missions in France.

ALSO READ: Sajida Mullah poised to become officer leaving failures behind

This explosion comes amid rising tensions between Russia and the West, particularly following the European Union's latest sanctions package against Moscow. The incident also coincides with the three-year anniversary of the Ukraine-Russia war.

Last week, Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) claimed Ukrainian authorities were allegedly planning attacks on Russian diplomatic missions across Europe, including in Germany, the Baltic States, and Scandinavia, with Slovakia and Hungary potentially targeted.