Zelensky asks Poland to send remaining MiGs

Poland probably gave us what it could. However, some things remained in Poland. (…) There are specific issues. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said during the conference: “We really need your MiGs.”

Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, Poland has been one of Ukraine’s main allies in the supply of military equipment. Warsaw has provided, among other things, PT-91 and Leopard tanks, Krab artillery systems and Piorun air defense systems, which have played a key role in the defensive operations. Nevertheless, the Ukrainian president is counting on further cooperation, stressing that “Poland still has the resources that can support his country.”

In July, Prime Minister Donald Tusk spoke about the possibility of transferring MiGs to Ukraine, noting that this decision would depend on NATO allies providing Poland with appropriate alternative funds. Prime Minister Tusk explained that “this cannot be at the expense of Poland’s security,” stressing that the situation after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine requires special caution in making such decisions.

Zelensky noted that this topic was repeatedly raised in talks with the Polish authorities. In the context of air support, Ukraine is also talking about the possibility of Poland shooting down Russian missiles and drones over the western regions of Ukraine. We have talked about this several times, and it requires, as I understand it, the support of many countries. Poland, as I understand it, is wondering if it will not be left alone.

The Ukrainian President also noted the tremendous support Poland has shown to Ukraine since the first days of the war, both in terms of military and humanitarian aid. He particularly emphasized the role of Poles who welcomed Ukrainian refugees under the roofs of their homes.

At the same time, Polish-Ukrainian relations were strained by some of Zelensky’s statements and his treatment of the Polish authorities during important events. One of the most significant events was the situation during the UN General Assembly in September 2023. During his speech, Zelensky referred to issues related to the export of Ukrainian grain to Poland. Zelensky noted that the actions of some European countries, including Poland, contradict the principles of solidarity. He even used the phrase that some countries “pretend to show solidarity” and “quietly help Russia.”

It is disturbing how some in Europe, some of our friends in Europe, are acting in solidarity in political theatre by making a sensational story using pills. It may seem like they are playing their own role, but they are actually helping. Preparing the stage for the Moscow actor – The President of Ukraine said at the time.

In recent days, during a meeting in Kiev attended by Andrzej Duda, the President of the Republic of Poland stated that if Russian soldiers begin to withdraw from Ukraine, he will call Volodymyr Zelensky and ask him not to shoot them during the withdrawal. Zelensky responded to this remark with a smile: “What if the line is busy?”

Such positions lead to a significant deterioration in the receipt of aid for the fight against Ukraine in Poland. The second issue is that Poland must, first of all, take care of its defense capabilities. Without replacing the MiGs with other aircraft, we will not be able to deliver the next batch to Kiev.