Slovakia’s government has approved a plan to give Ukraine its fleet of 13 Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets.
Slovakia’s government on Friday approved a plan to give Ukraine its fleet of 13 Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets, becoming the second NATO member country to heed the Ukrainian government’s pleas for warplanes to help defend against Russia’s invasion.
Slovakian Prime Minister Eduard Heger said during a news conference announcing the decision that his government was “on the right side of history.” Earlier, Heger Tweeted that military aid was key to ensuring Ukraine can defend itself and all of Europe against Russia.
Poland announced Thursday that it would give Ukraine around a dozen MiG-29s, starting with four expected to be delivered in the coming days. Both countries had indicated previously they were ready to grant Ukraine’s requests for military aircraft, but only as part of a wider international coalition.
Heger said his government’s move “is closely coordinated with the Polish side, Ukraine and other allies.”
Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the promised fighter jet planes were another example of NATO members “raising the level of their direct involvement in the conflict.”
