A plane carrying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen encountered GPS jamming while flying over Bulgaria, raising alarms within the European Union over suspected Russian hybrid warfare operations. The European Commission confirmed the incident on Monday, saying it was likely an intentional act of interference amid heightened geopolitical tensions.

Safe Landing Despite GPS Disruption

According to Commission spokesperson Arianna Podesta, the disruption occurred while von der Leyen was conducting her four-day diplomatic mission to EU nations bordering Russia and Belarus. Podesta stated, “We can indeed confirm that there was GPS jamming. We have received information from the Bulgarian authority that they suspect this was due to blatant interference by Russia.”

Despite the disruption, von der Leyen’s plane landed safely at Plovdiv airport in Bulgaria, allowing her to continue her scheduled itinerary without delays. EU officials stressed that the incident highlighted the significance of her mission in frontline member states facing Russian aggression and hybrid threats.

A Vocal Critic of Moscow

Von der Leyen has been among the most outspoken critics of Russian President Vladimir Putin since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. She has consistently championed sanctions against Russia, military aid for Ukraine, and increased EU defence cooperation.

Just days before the incident, she engaged in discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, reiterating calls for a lasting peace settlement backed by security guarantees for Kyiv. She urged Putin to “come to the table,” while reaffirming that Europe’s support for Ukraine remains steadfast.

Rising Regional Tensions

The timing of the GPS jamming incident coincided with a large-scale Russian assault on Kyiv, which saw 31 missiles and nearly 600 drones launched against Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian officials confirmed at least 21 deaths and more than 50 injuries from the strikes.

These escalations have amplified calls within the EU for greater military assistance to Ukraine and enhanced protection against hybrid warfare tactics such as cyberattacks, misinformation campaigns, and electronic warfare.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin was in China attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, where he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Analysts note that this parallel diplomatic engagement underscores the sharpening divide between Russia and the West.

Bulgaria’s Investigation and EU Response

The Bulgarian transport ministry confirmed that navigation signals were disrupted during von der Leyen’s flight. Authorities are now investigating the source of the interference, but initial assessments strongly suggest Russian involvement.

Podesta, speaking on behalf of the European Commission, framed the incident as a wake-up call for Europe. She stated, “This is a reminder of the everyday threats faced by Europe. Brussels will continue investing in defence spending, cyber resilience, and strategic security.”

Hybrid Warfare and the EU’s Strategic Push

The incident reflects the growing concern over hybrid warfare tactics deployed by Russia, which combine traditional military aggression with disruptive non-conventional measures such as electronic interference. For the EU, this episode demonstrates the urgency of enhancing air safety, defence coordination, and collective deterrence strategies.

As von der Leyen continues her tour, which is expected to include stops in Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, EU officials are using the incident as leverage to push for increased NATO collaboration and more robust European defence initiatives.

Conclusion

The suspected Russian GPS jamming of Ursula von der Leyen’s plane has sent a stark reminder to the EU about the vulnerabilities it faces from Moscow’s hybrid warfare playbook. While the safe landing prevented a potential diplomatic and security crisis, the incident has reinforced the urgency of strengthening European resilience.

For Brussels, this episode not only underscores the dangers facing its leadership but also strengthens the argument for accelerating defence spending, bolstering Ukraine’s war effort, and preparing for unconventional threats in the years ahead.

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