Just last month, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen experienced severe chaos while in transit above Bulgaria. Governments are investigating the possibility these were the result of Russian hacking. Her plane, as a result, circled Plovdiv airport for an hour. This was due to alleged jamming of its satellite signal. This latest event reflects a broader trend of increasing Russian aggression. In recent years, they’ve increasingly issued threats against pro-Western politicians.
Russian participation in this most recent activity fits a pattern ascribed in accusation to the murder of former Ukrainian parliamentary speaker Andriy Parubiy. Parubiy, a prominent figure in Ukraine’s anti-Russia movement, was killed over the weekend, raising concerns about Russia’s ongoing aggressive tactics against its neighbors.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine beginning in 2022, its electronic warfare tactics have greatly increased their intensity. Of particular concern is an unprecedented increase in GPS jamming and spoofing tactics. Indeed, according to recent reports, both Poland and Lithuania have seen significant increases in electronic disruption due to Russian activity. In particular, Poland has had a sharp rise—from 1,908 cases in early October 2023 to 2,732 in early January 2025. Likewise, Lithuania observed a drop from 556 cases in March 2024 to 1,185 in January 2025.
As recently as June 2025, thirteen EU member states raised an alarm over jamming and spoofing threats. These actions are severely disrupting air and naval travel throughout Europe. Arianna Podestà, a spokesperson for the European Commission, commented on the situation:
“We have received information from the Bulgarian authorities that they suspect this was due to blatant interference by Russia. Of course, we are aware and used to the threats and intimidations that are a regular component of Russia’s hostile behaviour.” – Arianna Podestà
This recurring pattern of interference has not only undermined the safety and reliability of civilian air travel, but it has posed a grave threat to security in Ukraine. To illustrate the dangerous precedent of such actions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy highlighted the destructive effects of such behavior on regional security.
In light of these backwards and regressive actions, the United States has moved to hold Russia accountable. The U.S. President has set a deadline for Russian President Vladimir Putin to take decisive action to end the war or face potential new sanctions. The world will be watching. French President Emmanuel Macron is convinced that Putin is attempting to influence his budding rapport with then U.S. president Donald Trump.
In response to these revelations, the European Commission has already acted by sanctioning four companies. These firms are rumored to have a hand in GPS jamming, showcasing the insidious, organizational quality of Russian meddling. Ursula von der Leyen characterized the need for enhanced defense capabilities in light of these ongoing threats:
“As Lithuania is being tested, Europe as a whole is being tested.” – Ursula von der Leyen
Von der Leyen’s unprecedented visit underlined the EU’s deep determination to strengthen Europe’s defense posture. She continued that the issues they face today only increase their determination to be there for Ukraine.
The increasing incidents of electronic interference serve to further emphasize Russia’s sinister course of behavior against its neighbors. Only a unified response from the international community can solve this daunting challenge. The developing situation calls for increased vigilance and strong action to protect the safety and security of European airspace and beyond.