Calay News
Slovakia has pledged to donate 13 Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, becoming the second NATO member to make such a move within 24 hours after Poland’s announcement. However, Russia has warned that it will destroy any fighter jets given to Ukraine by its allies. Ukraine has requested modern jets from Western countries, but as training takes a long time, the deliveries are viewed as long-term options. Meanwhile, Ukraine seeks additional aircraft to defend itself and counterattack, as it has faced Russia’s invasion for more than a year now. NATO members are contemplating sending fighter jets like the MiG-29, which Ukrainian pilots are trained to fly.
Slovakia’s prime minister, Eduard Heger, announced the donation of the 13 MiG-29 warplanes, stating that his government was “on the right side of history”. Poland’s president, Andrzej Duda, has confirmed that his country will be sending four such planes to Ukraine. Ukraine, on the other hand, has requested modern Typhoons and F-16s, but it is unsure when these will arrive.
Russia has issued a warning that it will destroy any fighter jets given to Ukraine by its allies. It has become a threat after Poland and Slovakia pledged to donate MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine. However, Ukraine remains determined to obtain additional aircraft to defend itself from Russia’s invasion and possible counter-attacks. Since the modern jets take a long time to train the pilots, they see the older MiG-29 as a potential option. While these MiGs are over 30 years old, they will still provide a useful addition to Ukraine’s fleet.
It remains to be seen how effective the 13 MiG-29 fighter jets will be in helping Ukraine in its efforts to stop Russia’s aggression and break its defensive lines. However, NATO members are taking a significant step in supporting Ukraine with the donation of these planes. As Ukraine looks toward a counteroffensive this spring, the aid from NATO allies will be critical in their defense against Russian aggression.
