Morning Bird: Russian GPS jammer hit a plane with von der Leyen. A piece of the embankment in Prague will be named after Karel Schwarzenberg
An electronic attack from Russia hit the plane carrying the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen. The plane managed to land safely in Bulgaria and the politician can continue on her journey through the countries of the eastern part of the EU. A part of the riverbank will be named in honor of Karel Schwarzenberg, which will also be beneficial for navigation in the city.
Electronic jamming threatened aircraft with von der Leyen
The aircraft with Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, was hit by a GPS jammer over Bulgaria, accompanied by suspicion of a Russian operation. Even so, it managed to safely land at Plovdiv airport in Bulgaria, and von der Leyen will continue her planned journey through the countries on the eastern border of the European Union.
The incident with von der Leyen's aircraft is the latest in a series of incidents related to suspicions of Russian electronic interference with GPS satellite navigation. Countries neighbouring Russia, including Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia, have been warning for several months of increased electronic activity disrupting flights, ships, and drones. Russian authorities did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the AP agency.
A quay in Prague will be named after Karel Schwarzenberg
The hitherto unnamed part of the quay between Charles Bridge and Liechtenstein Palace will bear the name of the recently deceased politician, former foreign minister and collaborator of Václav Havel. The naming was agreed upon by the council of the capital city.
"Although the main motive of the proposal is to commemorate the personality and legacy of Karel Schwarzenberg, the naming of this hitherto unnamed public space is also beneficial from an orientation point of view,"
it is stated in the explanatory material of the town hall according to CTK.
Kim Jong-un travels to China in a luxury armored train
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has crossed the Chinese borders, where he will reportedly participate in a military parade in the capital, Beijing. At Wednesday's "Victory Day" parade, Kim will meet Chinese president Xi Jinping, Russian president Vladimir Putin, and other world leaders. This will be his first multilateral international meeting.
Kim traveled to China on Tuesday aboard his armored train, which reportedly even includes a restaurant offering high-quality French wines and dishes such as fresh lobsters. The heavy protection of the train means that it travels slowly, and its journey should last up to 24 hours, reported the BBC.
Earthquake in Afghanistan leaves hundreds dead
A powerful earthquake shook eastern Afghanistan on Sunday, claiming hundreds of lives and launching a massive rescue operation in a mountainous province where communities are already struggling with hunger and economic crisis. According to Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, at least 800 people died and more than 2,800 others were injured as a result of the 6.0 magnitude earthquake. Three villages were leveled to the ground in Kunar province alone, reported CNN.
Sources: CNN, BBC, AP, ČTK
