BREAKING: A plane carrying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was targeted by GPS jamming over Bulgaria, in a suspected operation linked to Russia. This alarming incident occurred shortly before the plane landed safely at Plovdiv Airport.
A spokesperson for the commission, Arianna Podesta, confirmed the interference, stating that the Bulgarian authorities suspect Russia was behind the disruption. “We can indeed confirm that there was GPS jamming,” Podesta said. This incident escalates tensions as von der Leyen embarks on a critical tour of EU nations bordering Russia and Belarus.
The jamming disrupted the satellite signal crucial for the aircraft’s navigation. As the plane approached Plovdiv, the GPS signal was lost, raising serious security concerns. Podesta emphasized the urgency 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.”
Von der Leyen, a staunch critic of Vladimir Putin and Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, is on a four-day visit to bolster EU relations with nations directly impacted by Russian aggression. Podesta noted that von der Leyen has experienced “first-hand the everyday challenges of threats coming from Russia and its proxies.”
Following this incident, the EU is poised to enhance its defense spending and preparedness. “Of course, the EU will continue to invest in defense spending and in Europe’s readiness even more after this incident,” Podesta added, highlighting the growing concerns over security in the region.
Authorities in Bulgaria are investigating the GPS disruption further, with officials stressing the need for vigilance in light of increasing threats from foreign interference. The incident marks a troubling escalation in tactics that could affect diplomatic missions and air travel safety in Europe.
As the situation develops, all eyes remain on von der Leyen’s tour and the EU’s response to this blatant act of interference. Watch for updates on this rapidly evolving story as it unfolds.
