Russian-Ukrainian 'terrorist' arrested in Paris following blast at Charles de Gaulle airport as police find 'Mother of Satan' bomb-making kit favoured by ISIS at the scene on eve of D-Day anniversary memorial attended by world leaders

A suspected Russian-Ukrainian terrorist triggered an improvised bomb in a Paris airport hotel room using 'Mother of Satan' chemicals favoured by ISIS bombers, it emerged tonight. 

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

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

The airport suspect suffered severe burns to his face and an arm, after igniting Triacetone Triperoxide (TATP) in an £80-room at the B&B Hotel, within the perimeter of the airport, which is the largest in France.

The chemicals were used by ISIS suicide bombers during the November 2015 attacks on Paris, which claimed 130 lives, and also by the Manchester Arena bomber in 2017, when 22 people were killed, and more than 1000 wounded.

Terrorist groups behind such attacks, including ISIS and Al-Qaeda, frequently refer to TATP as 'Mother of Satan'.

Details of the latest Paris blast were released on the day American president Joe Biden flew into the French capital in time for the D-Day 80th anniversary commemorations.

Other world leaders set to join Mr Biden and French head of state Emmanuel Macron include King Charles and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.

Despite his injuries, the suspect 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 home-made batteries for mobile phones when one of them exploded.'

Multiple security sources later confirmed that traces of TATP were found at the B&B Hotel. 

The batteries were covered in plastic, with a match, powder and barbecue lighters inside a package, said the same sources.

On Wednesday, calls to the hotel, which is a short walk away from all the Charles de Gaulle terminals, went unanswered. 

As well as improvised bomb-making equipment, DGSI investigators found 'multiple passports' in the man's luggage.

The 2-star B&B tourist hotel – one that is frequently used by British travellers –  was immediately evacuated, and on Wednesday remained closed.

It has 226 air conditioned, non-smoking rooms and describes itself as a 'cheap and well-located 24-hour check-in hotel'.

Its publicity states that it is 'very close to the largest French and Parisian airport, so no more risk of missing your flight.'

The suspect is said to have arrived in France 'very recently,' according to another investigating source, and had booked into the B&B Hotel under his own name.

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 'participation in a terrorist criminal association with a view to preparing crimes of attacks against persons, possession of an incendiary or explosive substance or product or of elements intended to compose an explosive device with a view to preparing destruction, and damage or harm to people, in connection with a terrorist enterprise.'

There have been numerous high-level warnings of potential Russian attacks on European soil throughout the ongoing Russian-Ukraine war.

Last month, the FT reported at least three European governments have received intelligence that Russia is ramping up its sabotage efforts in a more aggressive and concerted manner.

Intelligence officials believe that Russian operatives have started preparations for covert bombings and arson attacks against European infrastructure with little concern for civilian fatalities. 

They are also willing to use proxies, or to carry out attacks themselves. 

Infamous for its strong espionage capabilities, Russia has been caught backing or directly taking part in anti-European incidents that have risked the lives of many, including senior politicians. 

The Paris arrest follows Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warning of Moscow-run agents plotting atrocities in Europe.

In May, Mr Tusk said nine people have been arrested for allegedly preparing acts of sabotage in EU member states in co-ordination with Russian intelligence.

He said those detained were Belarusian, Polish and Ukrainian citizens, possibly recruited from organised crime groups.

All were accused of 'beatings, arson and attempted arson', and were 'directly implicated in the name of Russian services in acts of sabotage in Poland'.

They were also suspected of preparing attacks in Lithuania, Latvia and possibly Sweden, he said.

Multiple European intelligence agencies have also warned their governments that Russia was planning violent acts across the continent.