Tuesday, 02 January 2024 12:17 GMT

Poland to Provide Ukraine with MiG-29 Fighter Jets Amid Russian Invasion


(MENAFN) Poland has announced plans to supply Ukraine with around a dozen MiG-29 fighter jets, making it the first NATO member to fulfill Kyiv's urgent request for warplanes to defend against the Russian invasion. President Andrzej Duda stated that four of the Soviet-made planes would be handed over within the next few days, while the remaining planes would be serviced and provided at a later date. The total number of planes to be transferred was not specified, but the Polish word used by Duda can mean between 11 and 19.

While Poland is the first NATO nation to provide Ukraine with fighter jets, Slovakia has also pledged to send disused MiGs to Ukraine. Both Poland and Slovakia had expressed their readiness to provide their planes, but only as part of a broader international coalition doing the same. It is uncertain whether other countries will follow Poland's lead in providing Ukraine with fighter jets.

The German government was reportedly caught off guard by Poland's announcement. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that so far, it had been agreed that it was not the right time to send fighter jets, and he had no confirmation from Poland that this had happened.

The White House responded to Poland's decision, calling it a sovereign choice and commending the Poles for aiding Kyiv. However, the White House stressed that this move would not affect President Biden's stance on the situation. President Biden has resisted calls to provide Ukraine with U.S. F-16s.

The transfer of MiG-29 fighter jets from Poland to Ukraine is a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. As Ukraine continues to face aggression from Russian forces, the provision of fighter jets could be a critical factor in defending the country's sovereignty. However, the decision to provide Ukraine with fighter jets is not without controversy, with some countries expressing concern that this could escalate the conflict. The situation remains fluid, and it is uncertain how other countries will respond to Poland's move.

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