Warsaw signals Ukraine could miss out on Poland's MiG-29s
Photo: Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz (Getty Images)
Poland has not ruled out transferring MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, but warned that if negotiations drag on, the aircraft could be given to others instead, according to Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz in an interview with Wirtualna Polska.
According to the minister, Poland's offer to transfer the MiG-29s to Ukraine remains "on the table," and the final decision now rests with Kyiv.
Kosiniak-Kamysz said Warsaw expects broader cooperation with Ukraine in the field of drone technologies.
What Poland wants from Ukraine
According to the minister, Ukraine has extensive experience and strong capabilities in drone production, and Poland is therefore looking for technology sharing and joint projects.
"It is time to say what we expect from them. Know-how in the areas where they are strong. We want them to engage in cooperation and provide us with some of the drones that we could use. We are genuinely open to various solutions," the minister said.
At the same time, he stressed that the issue has "a symbolic dimension as well as a practical one."
"I am somewhat disappointed that even this symbolic aspect has not been achieved," Kosiniak-Kamysz added.
What happens if no agreement is reached
According to Poland's defense minister, military officials from both countries are currently holding talks on the maintenance, repair, and financing of the fighter jets.
However, Poland already has an alternative option for the aircraft. The minister said Bulgaria is interested in purchasing the jets, which he argued demonstrates that they remain in good technical condition.
"These aircraft are in good condition — so good that the Bulgarians want to buy them. If someone is willing to pay for them, it means they are genuinely valuable," he said.
The Polish defense minister stressed that reaching an agreement with Ukraine remains Warsaw's priority. However, if the talks fail to produce a deal, Poland is prepared to consider other offers.
"The primary goal is to reach an agreement with Ukraine. If that does not happen, then so be it. Ukraine has less and less time on this issue. A final decision must be made in the coming weeks," Kosiniak-Kamysz concluded.
What is known about the talks over Poland's MiG-29s
Earlier this month, Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz confirmed that Warsaw had received an official request from Kyiv for MiG-29 fighter jets. According to him, negotiations between the two sides are ongoing, and the Polish government believes there is a chance of reaching a positive outcome.
At the same time, Polish media reported that Warsaw had also considered decommissioning the MiG-29s instead of transferring them to Ukraine. The reported reasons included disagreements over the terms of the deal, aircraft repairs, and funding for preparing the jets for delivery.
In addition, Radio ZET reported that Poland had received an inquiry from an unnamed NATO member about the fighter jets. Deputy Defense Minister Paweł Zalewski confirmed the request but stressed that Warsaw's priority remains transferring the MiG-29s to Ukraine.
Media reports have suggested that the country in question is Bulgaria. At present, Bulgaria is the only NATO member besides Poland that still operates MiG-29 fighter jets.
