Poland can only transfer its MiG-29 multirole fighters to Ukraine once it has received new combat aircraft to replace them, according to Defense Minister Władysław Kosyniak-Kamysz.
The minister highlighted Poland’s “multi-billion” contribution to military aid for Ukraine and emphasized that the country has done everything it can in this regard. However, he underscored that maintaining Poland’s own defense capabilities remains the top priority. “Our Ukrainian partners must understand this,” Kosyniak-Kamysz stressed.
He explained that the decision to transfer the MiG-29s, which are currently part of the Polish Air Force, will only be made after Poland’s Air Force receives new combat aircraft, specifically the F-35 fighters ordered from the US, which are not expected to arrive until 2026. Until then, the MiGs will be essential for protecting Poland’s airspace.
On August 27, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his desire for Poland to agree to transfer Soviet-era fighter jets to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. “We really need your MiGs,” he stated at the “Ukraine 2024. Independence” forum.
Zelenskyy also proposed that Poland assist in protecting Ukraine’s western regions by intercepting Russian missiles and drones during major airstrikes.
The latest such large-scale attack by Russia occurred on the night and morning of August 26, when over 100 missiles and around 100 attack drones targeted 15 regions across Ukraine. This strike resulted in significant damage to infrastructure, as well as civilian casualties. During the attack, Poland activated its Air Force and recorded the fall of a drone on its territory.
