The blast at Charles de Gaulle led to the arrest of the 26-year-old from the war-torn Donbas region of Ukraine.
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The explosion happened in an airport hotel on Monday afternoon, just two days before world leaders – including American president Joe Biden – flew into the French capital in time for the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations.
The suspect suffered serious burns to the face and an arm but was able to communicate with officers from the General Directorate of Internal Security (DGSI) – France’s domestic security service.
Anti-terrorism prosecutors were also informed, and a formal investigation was opened into a variety of alleged offences.
“Initial findings revealed products and materials intended for the manufacture of explosive devices on site,” a source at France’s national anti-terrorist prosecutor’s office told news outlet BFMTV.
“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 built homemade batteries for mobile phones when one of them exploded.”
The batteries were covered in plastic, with a match, powder and barbecue lighters inside a package, said the source.
As well as improvised bomb-making equipment, DGSI investigators found “multiple passports” in the man’s luggage, he added.
The explosion was in an unidentified airport hotel in Roissy-en-France, and it was evacuated and then closed afterwards.
The suspect is said to be recovering well from his wounds, and cooperating with officials.
Anti-terrorism prosecutors confirmed they have opened an investigation into several offences including participation in a terrorist criminal association for preparing attacks, possession of explosives, or other elements for destruction or harm in connection with a terrorist enterprise.
There have been numerous high-level warnings of potential Russian attacks on European soil throughout ongoing Russian-Ukraine war.