Poland has stepped forward to provide much-needed assistance to Ukraine in the ongoing conflict with Russia by offering to supply a dozen MiG-29 fighter jets. The decision was announced by Polish President Andrzej Duda during a joint press conference with the Czech Republic's president, Petr Pavel, in Warsaw.
The move comes after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky pleaded with Western supporters to share fighter jets, as Nato allies expressed hesitancy. Poland's decision to supply the planes is a significant step towards providing Ukraine with the military support it needs to resist Russian aggression.
The first four of the Soviet-made warplanes are due to be handed over to Ukraine in the coming days, with the remainder being checked and supplied later. While Slovakia has also pledged to send its disused MiGs to Ukraine, Polish government spokesman Piotr Mueller said that some other countries with MiGs have also pledged them to Kyiv, but did not name them.
Before Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine had several dozen MiG-29s inherited from the Soviet Union's collapse, but it remains unclear how many are still in service after more than a year of fighting.
Poland's offer of military assistance to Ukraine comes as tensions between Russia and its neighbours continue to escalate. Moscow has been accused of supporting separatist rebels in eastern Ukraine, resulting in a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives.
While Nato has been reluctant to provide direct military support to Ukraine, it has increased its presence in the region in recent years. In response to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, the alliance has boosted its presence in the Baltic states, Poland, and Romania.
Poland's decision to supply Ukraine with fighter jets is significant because it is the first Nato member to do so. The move could prompt other countries to follow suit and provide Ukraine with the military hardware it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression.
Duda said that Poland's air force would replace the planes it gives to Ukraine with South Korea-made FA-50 fighters and American-made F-35 warplanes. The move highlights Poland's commitment to modernizing its air force and enhancing its military capabilities.
In conclusion, Poland's decision to provide Ukraine with a dozen MiG-29 fighter jets is a significant step towards providing the country with the military support it needs to resist Russian aggression. The move could prompt other countries to follow suit and provide Ukraine with the military hardware it needs to defend itself against Russian aggression.
