Poland Won't Supply MiG Fighter Jets to Ukraine in Drone Deal Dispute

Poland will not be providing its remaining MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. The planned delivery was contingent on a proposed partnership involving the exchange of aircraft for drone technology.

Kosiniak-Kamysz explained that Poland had suggested a model where MiG-29s would be supplied in return for drones or drone capabilities from Ukraine. While Ukraine initially accepted this proposal, it failed to follow through on its commitment. "MiG fighters will not go to Ukraine because drones or drone capabilities will not come to Poland," Kosiniak-Kamysz stated, as reported by Radio Zet.

This decision comes after Poland announced in late April a project to build a modern drone fleet, leveraging Ukrainian expertise gained during the conflict with Russia. Prime Minister Donald Tusk had emphasized the importance of this initiative for Poland's security and its ability to support Ukraine. However, the MiG-29 transfer was not integrated into this drone project.

Poland has been a significant supporter of Ukraine's defense efforts, having previously supplied 14 MiG-29 fighter jets to the country in 2023, making it the first nation to provide combat aircraft after Russia's full-scale invasion. The current situation also follows a diplomatic dispute in June between Poland and Ukraine over President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's decision to grant a honorary title to a unit of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), which is associated with massacres of Poles during World War II. This move led to a decline in favorable views of Ukraine among some Poles and resulted in the revocation of Poland's highest state honor, the Order of the White Eagle, from Zelenskyy.