The jamming forced the plane to land in the city of Plovdiv using paper maps instead of relying on the usual electronic systems.

Russia has been accused of conducting GPS jamming targeting the plane carrying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during her official visit to Bulgaria on Sunday, according to the Financial Times.

The jamming led to an emergency landing of the plane in Plovdiv using paper maps rather than the usual electronic systems, the newspaper reported.

A spokesperson for the European Commission confirmed the incident, stating the plane landed safely and that information from Bulgarian authorities suggests Russia is behind the jamming.

The spokesperson added that the incident is part of the threats and intimidation that are a systematic element of Russia’s hostile approach, emphasizing that such actions will strengthen the EU’s commitment to enhance its defense capabilities and continue supporting Ukraine.

There was no change to the planned flight route, according to official statements.

Von der Leyen’s visit to Bulgaria was part of a tour including EU member states bordering Russia and Belarus, aimed at affirming solidarity and advancing the €800 billion European defense spending plan.

During her meeting with Bulgarian Prime Minister Rosen Gilev, von der Leyen stressed the need to “maintain a sense of urgency,” noting that “Putin has not changed and will not change; he is a predator, and can only be restrained through strong deterrence.”

Russia faces repeated accusations of interfering with GPS systems in Eastern European countries as part of so-called hybrid warfare tactics, which also include activities such as alleged sabotage of undersea communication cables and orchestrated migration campaigns.