UPDATE: A plane carrying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen experienced GPS jamming over Bulgaria in what is suspected to be a Russian operation. The incident occurred earlier today as von der Leyen was en route to Plovdiv Airport, where the aircraft landed safely.
Officials confirm that the GPS signal was disrupted, prompting immediate concerns about the safety of the flight. Arianna Podesta, spokesperson for the commission, stated, “We can indeed confirm that there was GPS jamming.” She added that Bulgaria has informed the commission about the suspected interference attributed to Russia.
This troubling development emerges during von der Leyen’s four-day tour of EU nations bordering Russia and its ally Belarus. The tour aims to address growing security concerns and reinforce European solidarity amid ongoing tensions. Podesta emphasized the significance of the mission, stating, “This incident actually underlines the urgency of the mission that the president is carrying out in the front-line member states.”
Von der Leyen has been a staunch critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his aggressive actions in Ukraine. Her tour underscores the everyday challenges faced by EU member states in the region, particularly in light of potential threats from Russia and its proxies.
Bulgaria’s official statement confirmed that “the satellite signal used for the aircraft’s GPS navigation was disrupted.” As the aircraft approached Plovdiv Airport, the GPS signal was completely lost.
The European Commission is responding to this incident with heightened vigilance. Podesta mentioned that the EU will continue to increase investments in defense spending and enhance Europe’s readiness in the face of such threats.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region and the need for robust security measures. As von der Leyen continues her critical tour, all eyes will be on the EU’s response to this alarming event.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as the implications for European security and relations with Russia become clearer.
