Slovakia has handed over the first four MiG-29 fighters to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

According to the statement on the website of the Slovak Ministry of Defence, The fighter jets were deployed by Ukrainian pilots with the assistance of the Slovak Air Force and Ukrainian personnel.

"I thank everyone involved for their excellent professional work. Slovakia is on the right side, and with this gesture, we as a country have entered modern world history in capital letters, which speaks of timely assistance, sincere solidarity and the nation’s greatness," said Defence Minister Jaroslav Naď.

The remaining aircraft will be handed over to Ukraine in the coming weeks, but the ministry does not provide any details for operational reasons.

Their transfer will be confirmed as soon as they are safely handed over to the Ukrainian side, as in this case.

Slovakia is transferring a total of 13 Soviet-made fighter jets to Ukraine.

On 17 March, the Slovak government, at an extraordinary online meeting, decided to transfer 13 MiG-29 fighters to Ukraine.

Bratislava announced its decision the day after Polish President Andrzej Duda announced the supply of four MiG-29s to Ukraine in the coming days.

Thus, two NATO states have publicly promised to provide Ukraine with combat aircraft.