Poland Sets New Condition for MiG-29 Transfer to Ukraine
Poland says Ukraine must pay for any modernization of MiG-29 fighter jets before their possible transfer, while negotiations between Warsaw and Kiev continue.
Negotiations between Poland and Ukraine over the transfer of MiG-29 fighter jets are continuing, but Warsaw has set a new condition. If Kiev insists on modernizing the aircraft before delivery, the Ukrainian side must cover the cost. This was stated by Polish Minister of National Defense Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz.
According to him, the Polish authorities are ready to discuss upgrading the fighters and do not rule out the possibility that one of the European countries could help finance the project. At the same time, the minister stressed that cooperation must be based on reciprocity and genuine solidarity between the partners.
The issue of transferring the MiG-29s returned to the agenda after the two sides resumed negotiations. Poland had previously planned to hand over some of its remaining aircraft to Ukraine in exchange for drone technologies. However, in early July, Kosiniak-Kamysz said Kiev had rejected that form of cooperation, so the fighter jet transfer did not take place.
The minister made the remarks in Olyka, Volyn Region, where he had arrived to attend commemorative events marking the anniversary of the Volhynia Massacre. Addressing the Ukrainian side, he stressed the need not to cause suffering to allies and to speak openly about the tragic events of the past, arguing that progress would be impossible without honesty.
Poland currently has 14 MiG-29 fighter jets. The aircraft are expected to reach the end of their service life by 2028.