Poland can pass Ukraine MiG fighter jets when Warsaw receives modern jets to replace them with

Oleh Pavliuk, STANISLAV POHORILOV — Tuesday, 27 August 2024, 22:09

Polish Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said that the Polish side understands President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's request to transfer Polish MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, but they will be able to do so only after receiving modern fighters so as to replace the MiGs.

Source: European Pravda, citing Polish media outlet Wirtualna Polska

Details: Kosiniak-Kamysz said he understood the Ukrainian president, but stressed that Poland makes decisions based on security concerns, and it has already done everything it could for Ukraine.

"I know that Ukraine needs a lot of weapons, but our partners from Ukraine must also understand that the Polish state must maintain its [defence] capabilities. And this is a priority for me as Minister of Defence," he added.

As for the transfer of Polish MiG-29s to Ukraine, the Minister noted that such decisions can only be made after the Polish Air Force receives new aircraft, including the F-35s ordered from the United States.

"Only after receiving the new aircraft will it be possible to dispose of the old aircraft, such as MiG-29s, which are still being used, in particular, for the protection of Polish airspace. Only then will we make a decision," he added.

In July, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said that Poland might consider transferring additional Soviet-era fighter jets to Ukraine if it can find a replacement for them together with its allies.

Background: At a press conference on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that he would like Poland to agree to give Ukraine its Soviet-made fighter jets.

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