Moldova refused to sell MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine
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Moldova seems to aim at maintaining its relationship with Moscow.
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Two MiG-29 aircraft at Malbork airbase, Poland.
Ukraine asked Moldova to sell or hand over its MiG-29 fighter jets; however, Moldova declined since it chooses not to undermine Chisinau-Moscow relations, according to the Ukrainian website European Pravda on Sunday.
According to the news outlet, Ukraine made this request in the first days of the Russian war in Ukraine, February 24, but was turned down by Moldova.
Chisinau chose not to irritate its relationship with Moscow as such a move could be perceived as a violation of the principle of neutrality.
As far as what is known, Moldova has 6 MiG-29 fighter jets - all operational, but have not been used in a long time. The country has been trying to sell them for a while but has not had much luck doing so.
While Ukraine has recently been asking for the jets, even NATO allies have expressed concern and rejection towards sending fighter jets to Ukraine.
Last month, US president Joe Biden vetoed sending MiG-29 fighter jets from Poland to Ukraine in fear of provoking Russia into a direct escalation with NATO.
