Russian-Ukrainian ‘terrorist’ arrested in Paris following blast at Charles de Gaulle airport as police find bomb-making kit at the scene

A suspected Russian-Ukrainian terrorist has been arrested in Paris after causing an explosion near the city’s main airport.

The blast at Charles de Gaulle led to the arrest of the 26-year-old, who has not been named but is originally from the war-torn Donbas region of Ukraine.

It happened on Monday afternoon, just two days before world leaders, including the US president Joe Biden flew to the French capital in time for the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

The airport suspect suffered serious burns to his face and arm, but was then able to communicate with officers of the General Directorate of Internal Security (DGSI) – France‘s domestic security service.

Anti-terrorism prosecutors were also notified and a formal investigation was opened into a variety of alleged crimes.

“Initial findings revealed products and materials intended for the manufacture of explosives on site,” a source at France’s national anti-terrorist prosecutor’s office told news channel BFMTV.

A suspected Russian-Ukrainian terrorist has been arrested in Paris after causing an explosion near the city’s main airport, Charles de Gaulle (file photo)

“One of the improvised explosive devices exploded. The hotel had to be evacuated.

“The man, of Russian and Ukrainian nationality, who was conscious despite his injuries, explained to investigators that he had been building homemade cell phone batteries when one of them exploded.”

The batteries were covered in plastic, with a match, powder and barbecue lighter in a package, the source said.

In addition to improvised bomb-making equipment, DGSI investigators also found “several passports” in the man’s luggage, he added.

The explosion occurred at an unidentified airport hotel in Roissy-en-France, which was evacuated and then closed.

The suspect is reportedly recovering well from his injuries and is cooperating with authorities.

Counter-terrorism prosecutors have confirmed that they have opened an investigation into “participation in a terrorist criminal association with a view to preparing crimes such as attacks on persons, possession of an incendiary or explosive substance or product or of elements intended to ​​to assemble an explosive device for the purpose of preparing destruction and harm to people in connection with a terrorist enterprise.’

There have been numerous high-level warnings of possible Russian attacks on European territory during the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.