The Ukrainian government has confirmed that it will not receive MiG-29 fighter jets from Poland due to a lack of cooperation on the exchange of drone technology. This decision was announced by Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, Vladyslav Koshynia-Kamish, during an interview with Polsat News. According to Koshynia-Kamish, Poland had initially proposed a partnership model based on the formula “MiGs in exchange for drones,” which Ukraine agreed to but later failed to fulfill. As a result, Poland does not have access to the necessary drones or drone capabilities to proceed with the transfer of the aircraft.
Koshynia-Kamish emphasized that while Poland's previous government had made the right decision to provide military equipment to Ukraine without conditions at the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, the current administration is more focused on protecting its national interests. He acknowledged that Ukraine currently holds significant capabilities in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and could have shared its expertise and partial access to technologies as part of the agreement. However, he stated that Ukraine did not follow through on these commitments, leading to the halt of the MiG-29 transfer.
The idea of transferring Polish MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine has been under discussion for several months. In December 2025, Warsaw was working on the possibility of transferring six to eight of these aircraft, which were scheduled to be retired from the Polish Air Force by the end of that year. The plan involved exchanging them for Ukrainian drone technology. By January 2026, Poland had announced plans to supply up to nine such aircraft to Ukraine. However, amid controversy surrounding the Ukrainian diaspora in Poland, some voices began to question the necessity of this transfer, suggesting that Ukraine itself was not particularly interested in receiving the jets.
According to Pawlo Zalewski, deputy minister of defense in Poland, the primary reason for the delay in transferring the MiG-29s is Ukraine’s lack of interest in the aircraft. This sentiment aligns with Koshynia-Kamish’s comments about the failure of Ukraine to meet the terms of the proposed exchange. Despite initial agreements, the absence of concrete steps from Kyiv has led to the current impasse.
In July 2024, during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s visit to Warsaw, Ukraine and Poland signed a bilateral security agreement that included the consideration of transferring a squadron of Polish MiG-29s (at least 14 aircraft). It was anticipated that the handover would occur after Poland received new American-made F-35 fighter jets to replace its Soviet-era aircraft. However, by late 2025 to early 2026, the Polish government was preparing another package of military aid for Ukraine, which included armored vehicles and MiG-29s. Nevertheless, on June 15, 2026, Cezary Tomczak, deputy minister of defense, confirmed the suspension of the jet transfer due to Ukraine’s refusal to grant access to its military technologies related to UAVs and counter-UAV systems.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to explore other avenues for enhancing its military capabilities. Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov recently revealed that Ukraine is engaged in negotiations with France regarding the potential acquisition of licenses for the production of French cruise missiles known as SCALP. During a joint press conference with Denmark’s defense minister, Jeppe Bruus, Fedorov noted that discussions with France’s president, Emmanuel Macron, had yielded positive results concerning the possibility of sharing SCALP missile manufacturing licenses. These talks are ongoing, with both the French government and relevant companies involved in refining the details. Fedorov described the process as complex, involving intellectual property rights and bureaucratic hurdles, but expressed optimism about progress being made.
Additionally, Fedorov highlighted that following the G7 summit at the level of the Russian National Security Council, separate dialogues with U.S. partners continue regarding the granting of licenses for the development and production of air defense systems. He called this development unprecedented, emphasizing the importance of supporting Ukrainian manufacturers through formats such as the Danish model, which aims to scale up existing effective production methods. Fedorov stressed the need to invest additional funds into Ukrainian production to maximize efficiency and self-reliance in defense capabilities.
As Ukraine seeks to bolster its military infrastructure, the situation with Poland underscores the complexities of international partnerships in times of conflict. While initial goodwill and mutual support existed between the two nations, the divergence in strategic priorities and technological exchanges has created a barrier to further military cooperation. With Ukraine now focusing on securing advanced weaponry through alternative channels, including negotiations with European allies, the future of its defense strategy remains dynamic and evolving.
5 reports
Ukrainska PravdaIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 807 days agoUkrainska Pravda reports that Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had a 'very good conversation' with French President Emmanuel Macron regarding obtaining licenses for producing French Scalp missiles. The discussion took place during Zelenskyy’s visit to France, and ongoing talks continue with both the French government and the manufacturer. Fedorov emphasized that while progress has been made, the process remains complex due to intellectual property rights, production setup, and bureaucratic challenges. He also mentioned ongoing discussions with the U.S. regarding similar license agreements. In a joint statement after the G7 summit in Evian, leaders expressed their willingness to consider granting Ukraine licenses for producing missile defense systems directly on Ukrainian territory.
Bias read (Center): The article presents information based on official statements from Ukrainian and French officials without overtly favoring either side. It provides balanced reporting by including quotes from multiple sources and emphasizing the complexity of the licensing process rather than taking a clear stance.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 80): Directly aligns with the primary source document, accurately reports the minister’s comments on drones and MiGs. Objectivity slightly reduced by emphasis on Poland’s stance over Ukraine’s.
Ukrainska PravdaIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 757 days ago "MIGs in exchange for drones": Polish Defense Minister explains why Ukraine will not receive fighter jetsThe Polish Minister of National Defense, Vladyslav Kosiński-Kamiś, stated that Poland will not transfer MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine because Kyiv refused to share drone technology. During an interview on the Polsat News program, Kosiński-Kamiś explained that he proposed a 'MiG for drones' exchange model, which Ukraine initially agreed to but later abandoned. He emphasized that Ukraine has significant capabilities in drone technology and that sharing knowledge and access to technologies was crucial for bilateral military cooperation. Kosiński-Kamiś acknowledged that previous Polish governments had transferred military equipment to Ukraine without conditions during the early stages of Russia’s invasion, calling this decision correct. The agreement between Ukraine and Poland, signed in July 2024, included the possibility of transferring a squadron of MiG-29s, but the process stalled due to Ukraine’s refusal to grant access to its drone-related technologies.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the minister's position and does not overtly favor either side. It includes direct quotes from Kosiński-Kamiś and contextualizes the issue within broader diplomatic discussions. While the topic is politically sensitive, the framing remains neutral, focusing
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 75): Accurately reflects the minister's statements from the primary source, including the 'drones for MiGs' proposal and Ukraine's withdrawal. However, some emotional language like 'symbolic but very important' may slightly reduce objectivity.
Ukrainska PravdaIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 857 days ago Ukraine is negotiating with France for licenses for the production of SCALP missiles FedorovUkrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced that Ukraine is engaged in negotiations with France regarding the possibility of obtaining licenses for the production of French Scalp missiles. The information was shared during a joint briefing with Danish Defense Minister Jeppe Bruus, citing Ukrinform as the source. Fedorov noted that discussions took place during President Zelenskyy’s visit to France, where a positive dialogue with Macron occurred. He emphasized that talks continue both with the French government and the company, highlighting progress but acknowledging the complexity of intellectual property issues and bureaucratic hurdles. Additionally, Fedorov mentioned ongoing dialogues with American partners regarding licenses for developing and producing air defense systems, calling the initiation of such negotiations unprecedented. He also highlighted efforts to scale up Ukrainian rocket production, including 'Dip Strike' rockets, and stressed the importance of supporting domestic producers through models like Denmark’s. This follows previous discussions between Ukraine and European partners on creating an anti-ballistic system, with Germany and Ukraine set to jointly
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual updates on diplomatic negotiations without overtly favoring any political side. It reports on ministerial statements and international cooperation without taking a clear ideological stance. While the subject matter involves sensitive military technology and foreign aid,
Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 85): Focuses on France-Ukraine discussions about missile production licenses, not directly related to the main event. Maintains neutrality and provides factual details without bias.
UNIANParty-alignedCenterFactual 80Objective 857 days agoUkraine is making significant progress in negotiations with France regarding the localization of production for French Scalp missiles. The discussions, which have moved from diplomatic talks to practical implementation, were spurred by President Zelenskyy’s recent visit to France and productive dialogue with Macron. The concept of 'license sharing' allows Ukraine to manufacture Scalp missiles domestically, enhancing its defense capabilities. Minister of Defense Mykhailo Fedorov highlighted that while technical and legal challenges remain, the shift to detailed discussions marks an unprecedented step. Additionally, the G7 summit has influenced these efforts, prompting consultations with Washington. Ukraine is also expanding its domestic missile production capacity, leveraging foreign investment and partnerships like Denmark’s model.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of Ukraine's efforts to secure international licenses for domestic missile production, emphasizing both progress and ongoing challenges. It reports on diplomatic engagements, technical hurdles, and international support without overtly favoring any particular側
Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 85): Similar to previous article, focuses on French military cooperation with Ukraine, not the Polish-Military issue. Neutral tone and factual reporting.
UNIANParty-alignedCenter6 days ago Ukraine won't receive MiG-29s from Poland: Defence Minister gives reasonUkraine will not receive promised MiG-29 fighter jets from Poland because Warsaw has not received drones from Kyiv, according to Polish Defense Minister Vladyslav Kosiak-Kamiš. The minister stated during an interview with Polsat News that while Poland initially offered Ukraine military equipment unconditionally at the start of Russia’s invasion, the current delay stems from a lack of Ukrainian drone technology or capabilities to exchange for the jets. He acknowledged that Ukraine has strong capabilities in unmanned systems but claimed they have failed to follow through on agreements to share this technology. Earlier discussions had suggested Poland might transfer up to nine MiG-29s to Ukraine, but interest from Kyiv appears limited.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the statements of a Polish official without overtly favoring either side. It includes direct quotes from the Polish defense minister and provides background on the proposed exchange of military assets between Poland and Ukraine. There is no evident bias toward one country over另一
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