French police arrested a 26-year-old Russian-Ukrainian man on Tuesday evening for allegedly plotting an attack with homemade explosives. The suspect, who was injured while handling explosives, was questioned at a local hospital.
Injuries and Discovery
The suspect sustained serious burns to his arm and face from a device made with TATP, a powerful homemade explosive, while staying at a nearby hotel. Police found components for an improvised explosive device in his hotel room.
Investigation and Background
The suspect is currently being interviewed by the French security agency DGSI. He is a Russian speaker from the Donbas region in eastern Ukraine, an area that has been a conflict zone since Russia’s initial invasion in 2014 and subsequent full-scale invasion in 2022. Parts of the Donbas, along with other Ukrainian regions, have been annexed by Russia, a move condemned by Ukraine and the international community.
Suspected Target
Authorities suspect that the man planned to attack a cargo flight bound for Ukraine from Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle airport near Paris. The investigation is ongoing to uncover the full extent of his plans.
