The diplomatic deadlock surrounding the potential transfer of MiG-29 fighters from Poland to Ukraine is beginning to move. Kyiv has officially confirmed to Warsaw its readiness to continue negotiations regarding the 'planes for drones' initiative; however, the Polish side is demanding concrete details on the implementation of this project.
Kyiv Confirms Interest: Negotiations Resumed
According to the Polish publication Wirtualna Polska, cited by RBC-Ukraine, the Ukrainian delegation has sent an official letter to Warsaw. In the document, Kyiv confirms its intention to realize a deal exchanging Soviet fighters for cooperation in the field of drone technologies.
Polish Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz commented on the receipt of the letter, noting that after a period of disagreement, the Ukrainian side has once again expressed interest. However, according to the minister, Warsaw will not be satisfied with mere declarations.
"We are waiting for what interests me very much, namely the 'MiGs for drones' option. After these tough statements from our side, a letter came from the Ukrainian side saying that they are still interested. We said: give us specifics. It is appearing," Kosiniak-Kamysz stated.
Competition Factor: Bulgaria on the List of Candidates
The Polish Defense Minister also made an important statement regarding Warsaw's negotiating position. He reported that interest in Polish MiG-29s is being shown not only by Ukraine but also by Bulgaria. The presence of an alternative buyer significantly changes the balance of power and could accelerate the decision-making process.
Warsaw had previously warned that delaying negotiations with Kyiv could lead to the transfer of fighters to another country. Now, this threat looks more realistic, given the presence of an interested partner in the person of Sofia.
Deal Status and Current Disagreements
Despite the resumption of dialogue, final agreements on the transfer of aircraft have not yet been reached. The exchange of fighters for drones has not yet taken place. Nevertheless, Kosiniak-Kamysz noted that certain cooperation in the field of specialist training has already begun.
Tensions surrounding the topic arose in early July when Warsaw accused Kyiv of failing to fulfill agreements on cooperation in the field of unmanned systems technology. At that time, the Polish side announced a review of plans to transfer equipment. Now, having received confirmation of interest from Kyiv, Poland is ready to move forward, but exclusively on the condition of receiving detailed proposals.
