Alleged Russian GPS Interference Targets Plane Carrying Prominent EU Figure
When trying to touch down in Bulgaria, a plane carrying a significant leader of the European Union was reportedly subject to GPS navigation interference. The EU commission confirmed this event, with suspicions that the blatant disruption was orchestrated by Russia.
The plane managed to make a safe landing despite the disruption. It is believed that the pilots navigated the landing using traditional paper maps.
EU's Strong Support for Ukraine
The EU commission, including the leader who was on the plane, has been a firm ally of Ukraine in its efforts to resist Russia’s unwarranted aggression. This leader has been a key figure in urging EU nations to direct more resources towards aiding Ukraine. Recently, she attended a summit on Ukraine hosted by the US President.
The alleged interference happened while she was on a tour to eastern member states of the EU to muster support for Ukraine. Her spokesperson expressed that the incident highlights the urgency of the leader's ongoing trip to frontline member states. During these visits, she has personally witnessed the day-to-day threats posed by Russia and its allies.
GPS Interference: A Tool of Hybrid War
Disruptions to flights and maritime traffic caused by GPS interference have been a long-standing tactic in Russia’s hybrid war toolbox. Both Scandinavian and Baltic states have repeatedly declared that Russia has been consistently interfering with the GPS signal in their regions.
A joint study conducted by researchers in Poland and Germany over six months starting from mid-2024 found evidence supporting these claims. They concluded that Russia was indeed the culprit, using a covert fleet of vessels and its own exclave of Kaliningrad to conduct the disruptions.
Prior Sanctions and EU's Stance
The European Union has sanctioned several entities and individuals linked to the Russian state in the past for their involvement in GPS jamming incidents. This recent event is expected to only strengthen the EU's firm determination to enhance its defense capabilities and support for Ukraine.
The journey to Bulgaria was a segment of a larger tour of several European Union countries that share borders with Russia, Belarus, and the Black Sea. The purpose of this trip was to demonstrate solidarity and strength in the face of Russia's ongoing assault on Ukrainian cities and their efforts to undermine any attempts at a ceasefire agreement.
The Tour Continues
On this tour, the EU leader visited Latvia and Finland on a Friday, Estonia on the following day, and Poland and Bulgaria on the day after. Her trip was concluding with visits to Lithuania and Romania on Monday.
A Call for Ongoing Vigilance
Speaking in the capital of Bulgaria just after the incident with the airplane, but before the news became public, the leader stressed the importance of maintaining a high level of alertness. She expressed her belief that the Russian President's behavior has not and will not change, describing him as a predator who can only be restrained through strong deterrence.
