KYIV : Poland has announced its 48th military assistance package for Ukraine, valued at approximately 200 million zlotys (about $56 million), and confirmed its readiness to transfer its remaining MiG-29 fighter jets under a potential exchange involving Ukrainian-made drones.
The announcement was made during a visit to Kyiv by Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on military support, air defense, and defense industrial cooperation.
Polish officials said the newly announced assistance is the 48th tranche of military aid provided since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The package, valued at around 200 million zlotys, is in the final stages of preparation and will be delivered promptly. According to Tusk, the aid will primarily consist of armored vehicles intended to support Ukrainian mechanized units. He added that Poland’s 47th military aid package, which mainly included 155mm artillery ammunition, has already been fully delivered.
Tusk also confirmed that Poland is prepared to transfer its remaining Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, provided the move is part of a reciprocal arrangement. Poland has been gradually retiring the MiG-29 fleet as it transitions to Western aircraft, including F-16s and future F-35 fighters, and several of the jets have already been transferred to Ukraine earlier in the war.
The potential aircraft transfer is linked to discussions on acquiring Ukrainian drone technology, reflecting Ukraine’s extensive experience in unmanned aerial systems developed during the conflict. Tusk said Poland is seeking to strengthen its counter-drone and airspace defense capabilities through closer cooperation with Kyiv.
President Zelenskyy said Ukraine is open to exchanging drone capabilities but emphasized that air defense systems and missiles remain Kyiv’s higher priority than additional aircraft. Both leaders said decisions on the MiG-29 transfer would be guided by Ukraine’s operational needs.
During the visit, Poland and Ukraine also signed a letter of intent aimed at expanding defense industrial cooperation, including joint production of ammunition and military equipment.
Tusk’s trip to Kyiv took place amid continued Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities. Polish officials reiterated that supporting Ukraine remains directly linked to the security of NATO’s eastern flank and Poland’s own national security.
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