Poland blocks MiG-29 transfer to Ukraine after Kyiv refuses to share drone technology
Defence Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz said six to eight written-off Polish MiG-29s will not be sent after Ukraine declined to grant access to its unmanned combat systems and counterdrone expertise, collapsing a deal agreed in principle last year
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Summary
Poland will not transfer MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine after Kyiv declined to share its drone production and counterdrone technology, Defence Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz said June 30 on Polsat News. Warsaw had proposed a "MiGs for drones" formula: six to eight Soviet-era aircraft written off by the Polish air force in exchange for access to Ukraine's battlefield unmanned systems expertise. Kyiv agreed in principle last year, then withdrew. Poland says the offer stands if Ukraine reconsiders.
Why it matters
The deal's collapse blocks Ukraine from acquiring additional fixed-wing capacity while the Ukraine Russia War grinds on, and deepens bilateral friction already aggravated by the Warsaw strips Zelensky of its highest honour; Tusk fights to contain the fallout honour dispute in June.