Marseille: Two researchers from France's National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS) have been charged after admitting to attacking the Russian consulate in Marseille, as confirmed by France judicial sources.

According to Anadolu Agency, the individuals, identified as an engineer and a chemist, were apprehended on Monday during a protest supporting Ukraine. They allegedly threw multiple explosive devices into the consulate's garden. The suspects initially fled the scene but were later arrested during a pro-Ukraine protest that evening, thanks to police identification through surveillance footage.

Authorities revealed that the improvised devices consisted of three 50cl plastic soda bottles, two of which detonated. Bomb disposal teams were promptly dispatched to the scene, and consulate staff, including the Russian consul, were confined inside the premises as a precautionary measure. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.

The suspects now face charges of "damaging property using means dangerous to people" and "unauthorized production of explosive and incendiary devices." The Marseille prosecutor's office reported that both suspects cited the Russia-Ukraine war as their motivation for the attack.

In reaction to the incident, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova labeled it as having "signs of a terrorist attack" and urged France to conduct a comprehensive investigation. Concurrently, France's Foreign Ministry condemned the attack and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring diplomatic security.