European Union blames Russia for plane GPS jamming over Bulgaria
A plane carrying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was subjected to GPS jamming over Bulgaria in what European Union officials suspect was a Russian operation, a spokesperson said Monday. The aircraft landed safely at Plovdiv Airport in Bulgaria.
Bulgaria’s government reported that “the satellite signal used for the aircraft’s GPS navigation was disrupted. As the aircraft approached Plovdiv Airport, the GPS signal was lost.”
Civil aviation authorities directed the plane to land using ground-based navigation systems.
EU officials blamed Russia for interfering with the radar of von der Leyen’s aircraft.
“We can indeed confirm that there was GPS jamming, but the plane landed safely in Bulgaria,” Arianna Podestà, spokesperson for the European Commission, said.
“We are, of course, aware and used to the threats and intimidations that are a regular component of Russia’s hostile behavior,” Podestà added. “Of course, this will only reinforce even further our unshakeable commitment to ramp up defense capabilities and support for Ukraine.”
Von der Leyen’s visit is part of a tour of EU nations bordering Russia and Belarus. She is expected to continue her planned itinerary.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
