Russian agent with explosives detained in France

French law enforcement officers detained a native of Donbas who was preparing explosives.

Sources of the French media Le Journal du Dimanche said that the detainee could have planned attacks on military cargo for Ukraine.

“According to several sources close to the case, investigators suggest that it could have been a Russian spy who wanted to attack French military equipment destined for Ukraine,” the newspaper said.

A 26-year-old man from Donbas was detained in the municipality of Roissy-en-France in northern France on suspicion of “participation in a terrorist organization.”

He was arrested after he accidentally detonated acetone peroxide, an explosive, while trying to create an improvised explosive device.

The man with burns was first taken to the hospital and later into custody.

During a search of his room in a hotel near Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, materials intended for the manufacture of explosive devices were discovered.

“Law enforcement officers seized money, several fake passports, and small arms,” French media reported.

The case was referred to the French National Anti-Terrorist Prosecutor’s Office and the General Directorate for Internal Security (intelligence service).

The detainee is charged with participation in a terrorist criminal organization with the aim of preparing crimes against a person and illegal possession of explosives for the preparation of a terrorist attack.

It should be noted that this is not the first case of Russia’s alleged attempt to use its agents in France. French police are currently investigating whether Russia was involved in last weekend’s provocation, when five coffins with the words “French soldiers in Ukraine” were placed near the Eiffel Tower, referring to Paris’ intention to send military instructors there.

The intensification of the Russian agent network in France may be related to the French government’s plans to increase assistance to Ukraine. France may also soon send military instructors to Ukraine.