Poland cites two reasons for delay in MiG-29 transfer to Ukraine

Poland's Deputy Defense Minister Pawel Zalewski stated that the Ukrainian side is not showing interest in receiving Polish MiG-29 fighter jets. In an interview with RMF24, he outlined two factors behind the delay. First, Ukrainians want aircraft adapted to modern combat conditions, and Poland is not ready to cover these costs. Second, the negotiations on drone technology cooperation are incomplete, as the transfer was initially intended to be mutual. Zalewski noted these are more industry issues than Ministry of Defense matters. He added that Ukraine is currently not seeking an ally in Poland, partly due to the scandal over naming an SSO unit after UPA heroes. "President Nawrocki believes that stirring up anti-Ukrainian sentiment is a good way to win voters. This greatly harms Poland," Zalewski said. He denied that the delay is a form of pressure on Ukraine to rename the unit. Meanwhile, another deputy defense minister, Cezary Tomczyk, announced on Monday that talks on the planned MiG-29 transfer are ongoing. He explained that deliveries have not yet occurred because Poland awaits resolution of the Ukrainian drone technology transfer. Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov in January stated that Ukraine and Poland are deepening defense cooperation, including joint work on modernizing the MiG-29s that Poland plans to transfer.