Poland’s President, Andrzej Duda, announced on Thursday(3/16/23) that the country would send four MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine to support Ukraine’s fight against Russia. This makes Poland the first NATO country to provide fighter planes. President Duda said that the fighter jets, which they inherited from the former German Democratic Republic, will be handed to Ukraine after being serviced.
According to William Taylor, former U.S. ambassador to Ukraine, the MIG-29 fighter jets will play a massive role because they will provide air support. He added that although Ukraine has reliable military support on the ground, Russians can fire missiles at civilian targets. With MiG-29, Ukraine’s air force will be able to counter Russian aircraft.
Although Poland’s move could encourage other NATO members to supply Ukraine with heavy weapons. Most people are asking whether Poland’s move to send fighter jets to Kyiv will put pressure on other countries, especially the United States and the United Kingdom. Per the report released by the White House, Poland’s move is a ‘sovereign decision,’ and President Biden does not intend to send F-16 aircraft. John Kirby, a top U.S. National Security official, was adamant that the United States would not send the F-16s. Fortunately for Ukraine, they do not need any training. This means they can start using the Mig-29 fighter jets immediately. A lot is unfolding in the Russia-Ukraine war, and we can only hope for the better in the coming days, weeks, or months.