An unknown package was found discarded near the Russian Consulate General in Thessaloniki, prompting police to close the street surrounding the building. The information came from Deputy Consul General Yuliana Gayfutdinova, and it has been confirmed by DEA News.
A middle-aged man wearing a hat and headphones was observed walking past the consulate and tossing a black package bearing the inscription “Russian World.” The contents of the bag were not disclosed by authorities as they continued to investigate. Officials closed the street as a precaution while checks were conducted.
The deputy consul general noted that none of the consulate staff were present at the time, explaining that February 24 is an unusual day for the consulate’s operations and staffing patterns.
Historically, the Russian Federation’s Consulate General in Thessaloniki opened its doors in January 1997, serving as a diplomatic presence in northern Greece.
Earlier, there were reports regarding a Swiss embassy area where a bag containing two grenades was discovered. Police and forensic teams responded immediately, and the embassy zone was cordoned off during the investigation. Subsequent findings indicated that one of the bags contained airsoft projectiles rather than explosive devices, prompting a measured security response rather than a confirmed threat.
Authorities continue to review surveillance footage and interview witnesses to determine the sequence of events and the intent behind the incident. The goal is to ensure the safety of diplomatic staff and the surrounding community while maintaining transparency about the investigation as updates become available. The public is advised to follow official statements from local law enforcement and the consulate for accurate information and guidance on any potential safety measures.