Poland won’t send all its MiG-29 jets to Ukraine, says Polish deputy FM

“No, I don’t think we’ll give all MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine,” Polish Deputy FM said.

Jabłoński noted the transfer of combat aircraft to Ukraine would take place gradually, The Voice of Ukraine reports.

“First of all, for these deliveries to be effective,” the official said.

“At the same time, we must bolster Poland’s security.”

Earlier, Polish President Andrzej Duda announced that Warsaw could give all its MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine. According to open sources, Poland has 22 such jets.

Duda announced on March 16 that his country would transfer the first four MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine in the coming days. However, there is currently no information about their transfer. 

Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said on Feb. 18 that Poland is ready to transfer its MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine, but in a coalition with other countries.

Slovakia handed over its first four MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine on March 23.

Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat said that providing Ukraine with MiG-29 fighter jets would be a major help, but they are unlikely to be a game-changer at the front.

Ukraine needs modern multi-purpose aircraft to gain air superiority and strike ground targets, said Ihnat.