Polish official names two reasons for delay in MiG-29 transfer to Ukraine
Deputy Defense Minister Paweł Zalewski stated that Ukraine shows little interest in receiving Polish MiG-29s, citing aircraft modernization requirements and unresolved negotiations on drone technology exchange.
Polish Deputy Defense Minister Paweł Zalewski said in an interview with RMF24 that Ukraine has not demonstrated sufficient interest in receiving Poland's MiG-29 fighter jets. He pointed to two key factors behind the delay, which was initially announced late last year.
First, Ukraine wants aircraft adapted to modern combat conditions, but Poland is unwilling to cover the associated costs. Second, the transfer was supposed to be reciprocal – with Poland receiving Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies. Zalewski noted that these negotiations are still ongoing and are more of an industry matter than a defense ministry issue.
Zalewski also remarked that Ukraine is currently not seeking an ally in Poland, partly due to the scandal surrounding the naming of a Ukrainian special operations unit after heroes of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA). "President Nawrocki believes that stoking anti-Ukrainian sentiment is a good way to win voters. This harms Poland greatly," he said. He denied that the delay in MiG-29 delivery is a form of pressure to force the unit's renaming.
Earlier, on Monday, Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk confirmed that talks on the transfer continue, but Poland is awaiting the handover of Ukrainian drone technologies. In January, Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated that the two countries are deepening defense cooperation, including joint efforts to modernize the MiG-29s that Poland plans to provide.
