Russia Suspected Behind Signal Jamming of EU Chief’s Plane

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s plane was disrupted by suspected Russian signals interference as it landed in Bulgaria.

The plane landed safely in Plovdiv after the Global Positioning System jamming incident, which authorities in Bulgaria determined was likely initiated by Russia. The interference affected the airport, a commission spokesperson said, adding “threats and intimidation are a regular component of Russia’s hostile actions.”

GPS jamming incidents have significantly increased across Europe since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Baltic Sea region has been particularly affected, with Estonia saying 85% of flights in the country now experience disruption.

Von der Leyen flew to Bulgaria to tour the the country’s biggest state-owned arms factory, some 150 kilometers (93 miles) southeast of the capital Sofia. —

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