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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has appealed for enhanced military assistance from Poland, specifically requesting the transfer of Polish MiG fighter jets to bolster Ukraine's defense against ongoing Russian aggression. Despite expressing gratitude for the significant support Poland has extended since the onset of the war, Zelensky noted a perceived decline in Poland's attentiveness to Ukraine's military needs. Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz responded by emphasizing that Poland has already exhausted its capacity to provide further aid while prioritizing its own national security. As discussions about potential Polish military involvement in intercepting Russian threats unfold, the fate of Zelensky's request for MiGs hangs in the balance, highlighting the delicate nature of regional support amidst escalating tensions.
dorzeczy.pl: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for increased military support from Poland, specifically requesting the transfer of Polish MiG fighter jets to Ukraine. However, Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz told Kyiv that Poland had already provided all it could.
“Ukraine is grateful for the support Poland has offered since the beginning of the Russian invasion,” President Zelensky stated. He added, however, that the Polish government currently seems to be paying less attention to Ukraine’s needs.
“Today, attention from the Polish side regarding our defense capabilities has somewhat weakened. This means that Poland has probably given us what it could. However, certain things remain in Poland,” Zelensky said. “There are specific issues. We really need your MiGs,” he emphasized.
Despite raising the issue with Polish President Andrzej Duda and Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Zelensky acknowledged that no positive decision has been made so far.
Zelensky also highlighted discussions with Poland about the possibility of Polish forces intercepting Russian missiles and drones over western Ukraine. He said Poland seems hesitant, fearing it may have to make this decision alone.
When asked about Zelensky’s comments, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz acknowledged that he understood Zelensky’s position but noted that Poland had already provided significant support to Kyiv.
“Poland has given Ukraine everything it could. Both our government and our predecessors have transferred billions worth of equipment to Ukraine. This is all we were able to provide. But the security of the Polish state is always my highest command, and all decisions we make in this matter are made with the security of the Polish state in mind,” he said.
Kosiniak-Kamysz stressed that maintaining Poland’s own defense capabilities remains a top priority, suggesting that further aid would depend on Poland receiving new aircraft to replace its aging MiG-29s.
“Only after receiving new aircraft will it be possible to dispose of the old ones, like the MIG-29,” the deputy prime minister added.
