Ukraine has detained a Frenchman suspected of planning a series of attacks across France during the forthcoming European 2016 football championship, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said.
The man came to Ukraine under the guise of volunteering to fight in the conflict in the country's east and managed to obtain 125kg of TNT, five assault rifles, two anti-tank grenade launchers and ammunition, the SBU said on Monday.
The man planned to blow up bridges and highway infrastructure in various parts of France, as well as a tax collection office, a mosque, a synagogue and public areas to be used for the football championship, the statement said.
The security services said the unidentified man wanted to carry out 15 attacks in total.
"The Frenchman expressed opposition towards his government allowing mass immigration into France, as well as the spread of Islam," the statement said.
Attacks are a major concern for French authorities as they prepare to host the month-long tournament at stadiums in the Paris area and eight other cities from Friday through July 10.
Armed groups have threatened France during the tournament, but authorities have not confirmed specific dangers.
