Russia accused of jamming GPS of Ursula von der Leyen’s plane during Bulgaria trip
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During Ursula von der Leyen’s official tour of EU member states bordering Russia and Belarus, the airplane carrying the European Commission President reportedly experienced GPS jamming, forcing it to land safely in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, using paper maps instead of conventional electronic navigation. A Commission spokesperson confirmed the interference, noting that Bulgarian authorities suspect Russia was responsible. The incident highlights a pattern of hostile actions by Russia, including GPS disruptions, underwater cable sabotage, and instrumentalised migration, often described as hybrid warfare.
Von der Leyen’s visit aimed to express EU solidarity with frontline states and promote the bloc’s €800-billion defence plan. Speaking alongside Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, she underscored the ongoing threat posed by Russian aggression: “Putin has not changed, and he will not change. He is a predator. He can only be kept in check through strong deterrence.”
The GPS jamming incident, while not altering the planned route, serves as a stark reminder of the evolving security challenges facing the EU. The Commission reiterated its commitment to strengthening defence capabilities and supporting Ukraine, emphasising that threats and intimidation are a persistent feature of Russia’s approach toward its neighbours. The episode reinforces the urgency of coordinated European measures to safeguard critical infrastructure and maintain geopolitical resilience in the face of Russian hybrid tactics.
