The EU has accused Russia of jamming the GPS signal of a plane carrying European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as it approached Bulgaria. The Guardian reports the aircraft was forced to circle Plovdiv airport for an hour after losing electronic navigation aids.
The incident highlights escalating tensions as Russia continues its pattern of electronic warfare against European targets. Von der Leyen's plane eventually landed safely after the GPS interference.
Putin takes centre stage at China summit
Vladimir Putin appeared prominently at a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China, demonstrating strengthened ties with Beijing. Chinese President Xi Jinping used the gathering to outline his vision for a new world order.
Xi positioned China as a reliable alternative global leader amid the uncertainty of Donald Trump's second presidency. The summit brought together leaders from Russia, India, and other nations in what observers see as a coordinated challenge to Western influence.
Expert warns of strengthened alliance
According to Metro, a Chatham House expert described the anti-Western coalition as "more developed and purposeful" than Western democracies. The analysis suggests this alliance poses a significant challenge to traditional Western leadership.
Metro reports that Putin, Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi displayed close personal relationships through handshakes, hugs and warm greetings. The visual unity among the three leaders underscored their commitment to the partnership.
The dual developments - direct interference through GPS jamming and alliance building at the SCO summit - demonstrate Russia's multi-pronged approach to challenging Western influence globally.
Sources used: "Channel4", "The Guardian", "Metro" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
