Alleged Russian GPS Spoofing Extends Deep Into Europe

Since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, European governments have repeatedly accused Moscow of electronic interference. Lithuania’s communications regulator deputy head Darius Kuliesius says Russia has expanded its GPS-spoofing capability from three antennas in early 2025 to 36, all sited in the heavily militarised Kaliningrad exclave.

Lithuania stated that Russia may be spoofing GPS signals deep within EuropeReutersLithuania says Russia can falsify GPS signals up to 280 miles deep into the EU’s bordersThe Straits Times

Lithuanian officials estimate the spoofing radius at up to 450 km (280 mi), covering Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Poland and parts of Finland, Sweden and Belarus. The estimate derives from ADS-B aviation-surveillance analysis; Kuliesius says mobile networks near the border degrade and bus schedules in Klaipeda stop during signal spikes that rise during Ukrainian drone attacks.

Lithuania stated that Russia may be spoofing GPS signals deep within Europe

European aircraft have reported GPS anomalies near Kaliningrad. A Spanish military jet carrying Defence Minister Margarita Robles experienced a disturbance in 2025, and a flight with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was jammed en route to Bulgaria. In May 2026 a RAF jet transporting UK Defence Secretary John Healey lost GPS near Estonia and switched to alternative navigation, while smartphones and laptops on board lost internet connectivity.

WION

Russia’s foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Moscow requires evidence before any discussion, and the Russian embassy in Vilnius declined comment. The UK Ministry of Defence also did not comment, while a Sky News source described the RAF incident as “reckless Russia interference.”

The Straits Times

Lithuanian officials label the expanded spoofing a deliberate provocation, while Moscow frames the accusations as part of a “Western smear campaign.” The opposing narratives underscore a broader contest over attribution and intent.

Lithuania stated that Russia may be spoofing GPS signals deep within Europe

Lithuania’s range estimate relies on ADS-B analysis, but independent verification is lacking. Cybersecurity expert Alexander Litreev called the regulator’s figures “quite realistic,” yet noted that the number of transmitters can change constantly, leaving a factual gap about the true technical capability.

Lithuania says Russia can falsify GPS signals up to 280 miles deep into the EU’s borders

• “Then something can be discussed, something can be talked about. So far, these are just words, and you can't take their word for it.” — Maria Zakharova, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

The Straits Times

• “The occasional interference began with the 2023 NATO summit in Vilnius. Now they have built up the infrastructure and the interference has become systemic, permanent, unending Russian provocation against European security,” — Darius Kuliesius, Deputy Head, Lithuanian Communications Regulator

Reuters

• “reckless Russia interference” — Source to Sky News

WION

If the 450-km spoofing radius is accurate, navigation-dependent services across a swath of Central and Northern Europe could face intermittent disruption, affecting civilian transport, logistics and military readiness. Most modern airliners retain alternative navigation systems, but degraded mobile networks and bus-schedule apps illustrate broader civilian impact.

Lithuania says Russia can falsify GPS signals up to 280 miles deep into the EU’s borders

European authorities have called for concrete proof of the alleged GPS manipulation. Ongoing monitoring by national regulators and NATO’s electronic-warfare units is expected, while diplomatic channels remain open for clarification of the technical claims.

Lithuania stated that Russia may be spoofing GPS signals deep within Europe