A planned “MiGs for drones” agreement between Poland and Ukraine has collapsed, per Warsaw’s Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
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The minister accused Kyiv of failing to deliver promised drone technology, halting plans to transfer Polish MiG-29 fighter jets in return.
Kosinaiak-Kamysz stated, “Warsaw offered Kyiv a partnership-based approach: MiGs in exchange for drones—but Ukraine did not follow through.
“Poland possesses neither drones nor the technical capabilities to supply them,” he added.
Kosinaiak-Kamysz acknowledged Ukraine’s advancing drone expertise, noting, “They’re excellent at it—initially accepted the proposal but later withdrew.”
Kyiv has not publicly addressed these claims.
Historical MiG Transfers to Ukraine
Poland supplied 14 MiG-29s to Ukraine in 2023, marking the first foreign fighter jet delivery post-Russia’s 2022 invasion.
Nine MiG-29s were approved for transfer in January, part of Poland’s effort to phase out Soviet-era aircraft for modern U.S.-made F-16s and F-35s.
In April, Ukraine announced opening arms exports globally, including “Drone Deals” covering production, supply, and technological exchange.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk highlighted collaboration with Ukraine on a new drone fleet leveraging Ukrainian expertise.
Uncertainty remains about whether phased-out MiG-29s could have been part of this arrangement.
Diplomatic Tensions Escalate
Kosinaiak-Kamysz declined to address whether diplomatic friction affected the MiG-drone deal.
The dispute centers on Ukraine’s commemoration of the World War II-era Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA), which Poland strongly opposes.
While Ukraine views the UPA as a symbol of resistance to Soviet occupation, Poland associates it with the Volyn tragedy—a 1943–1945 conflict where Polish civilians were killed by UPA forces.
Zelenskyy’s decision drew Polish backlash; President Karol Nawrocki revoked him Poland’s highest honor, the Order of the White Eagle.
Kosinaiak-Kamysz warned Ukraine’s pro-UPA stance could impede EU integration, stating, “With leaders like Stepan Bandera, Ukraine will not join the European Union.”
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