Germany refuses to supply arms to Ukraine, offers 5,000 helmets
Germany has refused to provide Ukraine with weapons to defend itself in the event of a possible Russian attack, but has offered 5,000 helmets.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kleba has condemned Germany's decision not to give up arms and called on Putin to stop encouraging Vladimir Putin.
German Justice Minister Christine Lemrecht said that giving a helmet to Ukraine by Germany would be a clear signal that Germany stands by Ukraine.
But Vitaly Klitschko, mayor of the Ukrainian capital Kiev, called Germany's offer a joke and said that perhaps Germany's next offer would be appreciated.
Kiev Mayor Vitaly Klitschko said he was surprised by the helmet offer.
Vitaly Klitschko said that Germany was unable to understand that "we are facing a Russian army that has sophisticated weapons and could attack Ukraine at any time."
"Five thousand helmets is a joke, what will Germany send after that?" Said Vitaly Klitschko.
Germany's offer to provide 50,000 helmets to Ukraine is also being ridiculed in Germany.
On social media, people are sharing a meme in which a cyclist says, "This helmet may look useless, but it can save my life."
Russia has deployed tens of thousands of troops on the Ukrainian border, and a major war is brewing in Europe.
Ukraine has called on Western allies to increase their defense capabilities. The United States, Britain and the Baltic states have announced that they will provide Ukraine with anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles.
Germany has refused to supply arms to Ukraine, saying the supply of weapons would exacerbate the conflict.
Germany's defense minister said this week that Germany would provide Ukraine with a field hospital and that Germany had already provided Ukraine with respirators.