URGENT UPDATE: A plane carrying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen experienced a significant GPS jamming incident over Bulgaria, believed to be a deliberate operation by Russia. The aircraft landed safely at Plovdiv Airport, and von der Leyen is set to continue her critical tour of EU nations bordering Russia and Belarus.
Officials from the European Commission confirmed the incident, with spokesperson Arianna Podesta stating, “We can indeed confirm that there was GPS jamming.” Bulgarian authorities suspect this interference is linked to Russian actions amid ongoing tensions related to Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
Podesta emphasized the importance of von der Leyen’s mission, stating, “This incident actually underlines the urgency of the mission that the president is carrying out in the front-line member states.” She highlighted that von der Leyen has witnessed “firsthand the everyday challenges of threats coming from Russia and its proxies.”
The Bulgarian government’s statement confirmed that “the satellite signal used for the aircraft’s GPS navigation was disrupted.” As the plane approached Plovdiv Airport, the GPS signal was reportedly lost, raising serious concerns over safety and security protocols in the region.
This alarming incident is particularly significant given von der Leyen’s outspoken criticism of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin’s military actions. The Commission’s spokesperson indicated that the EU will ramp up its defense spending and enhance readiness in response to such provocations.
The timing of this event is critical, as von der Leyen is on a four-day tour aimed at reinforcing EU solidarity among member states directly impacted by Russian threats. The tour is designed to bolster support and security measures for nations at the frontline of potential aggression.
As the situation develops, the European Commission is expected to provide further updates on security measures and responses to this incident. The implications of these actions could resonate widely, affecting diplomatic relations and defense strategies across Europe.
Stay tuned for more immediate updates on this developing story, as the EU navigates these escalating tensions and seeks to ensure the safety of its leaders in a precarious geopolitical landscape.
