Polish Defense Minister Opposes Sending MiG-29 Jets to Ukraine, Citing National Security Needs

Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has stated he does not support giving Poland’s MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, as they are needed to protect Polish airspace.

In an interview with Radio ZET, Kosiniak-Kamysz pointed out that Poland is one of the main supporters of Ukraine, providing both military and humanitarian aid, though this contribution often goes unnoticed. He added that while Poland has sent as much military equipment as possible, the country’s security sets a clear limit.

“For instance, the MiG-29s—these jets protect Polish skies and are flown by Polish pilots. I cannot agree to hand them over. From my side, there is no consent for this,” said Kosiniak-Kamysz.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Poland could not send MiG-29 jets due to its limited air force. At the time, Ukraine coordinated with NATO to establish an air mission to protect Polish airspace; however, Poland later cited additional reasons for not sending the jets.

On August 27, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on Poland to support Ukraine’s defense by supplying Soviet-era MiG fighter jets to its armed forces emphasizing the critical role Poland’s MiG jets could play in strengthening Ukraine’s air capabilities.

Just weeks later, on September 13, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski at a press conference in Kyiv, where Sikorski indicated that Poland is still considering the possibility of transferring several MiG-29 aircraft to Ukraine.