The navigation system of a plane carrying Ursula von der Leyen was disrupted due to suspected Russian interference, the European Commission said.
A spokesperson indicated that the GPS jamming occurred as the Commission president was nearing her destination in southern Bulgaria on Sunday, but she landed safely.
Reports from unnamed officials suggest that von der Leyen's plane had to navigate using paper maps after pilots lost access to the GPS signal attributed to Russian interference.
The European Commission stated that such incidents reinforce their commitment to enhancing defense capabilities and supporting Ukraine in the face of regular threats and intimidation from Russia.
Bulgarian authorities confirmed that the GPS navigation system's satellite signal was neutralized during the flight, and alternative methods were immediately provided for safe landing.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov disputed the claims, stating that the information was incorrect. Meanwhile, Bulgaria's Air Traffic Services Authority mentioned a notable rise in navigation jamming incidents since January 2022, linking them to increased military activities in the region.
Experts warn that Russia's actions in jamming satellite navigation systems could potentially disrupt thousands of civilian flights, a situation worsened after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Throughout her tour in eastern EU states highlighting defense readiness, von der Leyen addressed the everyday threats posed by Russia and its proxies.
