Plovdiv, Bulgaria (BN24) — A plane transporting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was subjected to suspected Russian GPS jamming during its approach to Plovdiv International Airport on Sunday, according to European Commission officials. The interference occurred amid a critical diplomatic mission to Eastern European countries neighbouring Russia, Belarus, and the Black Sea.
European Commission Deputy Chief Spokesperson Arianna Podestà confirmed the incident, highlighting it as a serious breach of aviation safety and a vivid demonstration of what Brussels has long characterized as Moscow’s hybrid warfare tactics. Bulgarian authorities have launched an investigation, suspecting Russian involvement, though the Kremlin swiftly rejected the claim.
“Your information is incorrect,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told The Financial Times, denying any connection to the jamming episode.
Despite the interference, the aircraft landed safely in Plovdiv. According to a source familiar with the flight, pilots were forced to navigate manually using paper charts after the GPS signal was disrupted, a scenario aviation experts warn could pose significant risks, especially in unfamiliar or congested airspace.
Podestà described the disruption as a “stark reminder” of the everyday threats faced by EU frontline states from Russia and its proxies. She underscored the symbolism of von der Leyen’s trip in light of the incident, which occurred during her multi-nation tour aimed at reinforcing European solidarity and support for Ukraine as the war enters its third year.
“This incident underlines the urgency of the president’s current trip to frontline Member States, where she has seen first-hand the everyday threats from Russia and its proxies,” Podestà said.
Von der Leyen, who has emerged as one of Kyiv’s most outspoken allies within the EU, had just completed stops in Latvia, Finland, Estonia, Poland, and Bulgaria. Her itinerary includes further visits to Lithuania and Romania. Speaking shortly after landing—before the incident became public—she reinforced the EU’s position on deterrence against Moscow.
“Putin has not changed, and he will not change. He is a predator,” von der Leyen said. “He can only be kept in check through strong deterrence.”
Incidents of GPS jamming and spoofing have become increasingly common across Europe, particularly near conflict-adjacent zones like the Baltic and Black Seas. Research from institutions in Poland and Germany has linked such interference to Russian military operations, with Kaliningrad and clandestine maritime assets identified as key sources. In response, the European Union has already imposed sanctions on individuals and entities connected to electronic warfare targeting EU airspace and infrastructure.
The GPS disruption affecting von der Leyen’s flight adds to a growing list of incidents attributed to Russian electronic warfare, raising fresh concerns over aviation safety and escalating geopolitical tensions.
As von der Leyen’s diplomatic tour continues, EU officials remain resolute in calling for expanded military and financial aid to Ukraine—framing the incident not just as a security concern, but as a call to action for a more unified European defense posture in the face of ongoing Russian aggression.
