This week, Poland promised to send four MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine. In doing so, Poland becomes the first NATO member, a significant step for Kyiv to counter Russian attacks.
Warsaw has ranked among NATO allies in supplying Kyiv with heavy weapons. The announcement that Poland will send Soviet fighter jets is a step away from the alliance’s commitments and could pressure other NATO members to do the same. Other NATO countries were reluctant to send tanks to Kyiv, and the US has already announced that Poland’s move will not affect US decisions. The White House said Poland’s decision to send fighter jets was a “sovereign” and would not influence President Joe Biden’s decision to send F-16s.
US and European officials previously told CNN that F-16 fighter jets are useless in this situation. Germany has completely ruled out the supply of fighter jets to Ukraine.
