Duda outlines conditions for Poland's MiG-29s transfer to Ukraine
Photo: Polish President Andrzej Duda (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Poland could consider transferring its MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, but NATO would need to redeploy aircraft to Polish airbases, according to Polsat News.
The leader of Poland, Andrzej Duda, discussed the issue of transferring Soviet MiG-29 aircraft with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
The Polish president emphasized that the key condition for providing the jets to Ukraine is a guarantee from NATO allies to secure Poland's airspace.
"We still have one squadron of MiGs, it is a matter of decision in this regard. We are currently using these planes, these are MiG-29s, which operate within the framework of the missions we carry out. If we were to transfer them to Ukraine, there is one fundamental condition, namely, our sky must be secured," stated Andrzej Duda.
The Polish president also noted that Poland provides daily support to Ukraine and acts as a major transit hub. Duda emphasized that Ukraine would be in an "extremely difficult situation" if it were not for Polish infrastructure.
Polish MiG-29s for Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously announced that an agreement had been reached with NATO to send jets to Poland, enabling Warsaw to transfer its MiG-29s to Ukraine. However, Zelenskyy noted that Poland found another reason not to send the Soviet fighter jets.
In response, Poland's Foreign Minister stated that Warsaw has done more for Ukraine than any other country
Earlier, Polish officials expressed concerns about feeling "unprotected" if they were to provide their MiG-29s, as these aircraft are an integral part of Poland's air defense. Warsaw has also indicated that they can only transfer their MiG-29 aircraft to Ukraine after receiving new fighters ordered from its allies.
