Russia Allegedly Disrupts GPS Signals on Plane with Ursula von der Leyen: What You Need to Know

On Sunday, a plane carrying Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission, encountered serious trouble when it lost its satellite navigation signals while flying over Bulgaria. The plane was forced to circle the Plovdiv airport for about an hour due to this jamming incident, which authorities suspect was orchestrated by Russia.

Arianna Podestà, a spokesperson for the commission, acknowledged the incident and emphasized that this kind of interference is not new. She described it as part of Russia’s ongoing patterns of intimidation. Experts have noted that jamming in this region is becoming more common, although it’s debated if von der Leyen was specifically targeted.

Interestingly, GPS jamming techniques have increased significantly since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. A recent internal EU report indicated that in January 2025, Poland reported 2,732 instances of electronic interference, compared to 1,908 in October 2023. Lithuania recorded a rise as well, with 1,185 cases last month. These figures suggest a systematic approach rather than random acts.

Airports typically have backup systems to navigate when GPS fails, such as radio navigation. This diversity in methods helps ensure flights remain safe despite potential signal disruptions.

On the same trip, von der Leyen visited several eastern EU countries. In her statement in Vilnius, she highlighted the “constant military and hybrid threats” facing these nations, linking this recent incident to broader security challenges in Europe. Her remarks echoed concerns among leaders about the increasing instability in the region caused by Russia.

Another troubling event occurred recently in Ukraine, where Andriy Parubiy, a vocal opponent of Russia, was murdered in Lviv. His killing, which involved a meticulous plan by the perpetrator, has drawn immediate accusations of Russian involvement from Ukrainian authorities.

Overall, these incidents illustrate the escalating geopolitical tensions in Europe. As nations navigate these challenges, the urgency for stronger defense mechanisms and international support has never been clearer.

In light of the shifting landscape, von der Leyen noted that Ukraine’s allies are exploring new security guarantees, highlighting a “strong, well-equipped and experienced” Ukrainian force as a crucial first step. About 30 countries, part of a “coalition of the willing,” are rallying to back Ukraine, yet the specifics of troop deployment remain uncertain.

With the situation continually evolving, European leaders are expected to engage in urgent discussions to address the ongoing threats and solidify their strategies for the future. For more insights into these developments, see the Financial Times report and the internal EU document detailing electronic interference concerns.

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