Russia has come under scrutiny for allegedly disrupting a European leader’s aircraft in a coordinated cyber assault. Reports indicate that a Russian cyber intrusion disabled navigation systems at a Bulgarian airport, leading to the plane’s premature landing. Sources informed the Financial Times that this interference resulted in Ms. Von der Leyen’s aircraft landing early at Plovdiv Airport. The Bulgarian Air Traffic Services Authority confirmed that the plane lost its satellite connection, affecting its navigational capabilities.
Previous instances reveal that Russia has employed GPS “jamming” techniques to obstruct access to satellite navigation systems, primarily for military purposes to safeguard sensitive areas. An official disclosed, “The entire airport area experienced a blackout in GPS signals,” which compelled the pilot to circle the airport for an hour before manually landing the aircraft using analogue maps due to undeniable interference.
Both the Kremlin and the European Commission have been requested to provide comments on the matter. The Bulgarian Air Traffic Services Authority highlighted that such disruptions hinder the accurate reception of GPS signals, posing operational challenges for aircraft.
In a separate incident, Keir Starmer criticized Vladimir Putin for undermining peace efforts after a British Council facility was struck during an attack in Kyiv. Shocking footage captured the strike on the cultural and educational organization in the Ukrainian capital, claiming 15 lives, including four children. Russian sources applauded the attack on the British Council, alleging the presence of a dozen individuals in the building during the strike. The PM condemned the “senseless” assault on Kyiv, accusing Putin of targeting civilians and children, sentiments echoed by French President Emmanuel Macron as “terror and barbarism.”
Expressing solidarity, Mr. Starmer conveyed, “My thoughts are with all affected by the senseless Russian strikes on Kyiv, damaging the British Council building. Putin’s actions are causing harm to innocent civilians and obstructing peace efforts. This violence must cease.” The attack also inflicted damage on the European Union delegation building. EU President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the need for Russia to halt its indiscriminate targeting of civilian infrastructure and engage in negotiations for a just and enduring peace.