NATO member Germany that wants to buy more energy from Russia sends 5000 helmets to Ukraine

Greg P. | 8:32 AM on January 26, 2022

You can’t make this up. . .

Germany is sending 5000 helmets to Ukraine to help defend against a possible Russian invasion. Translation:

Minister Lambrecht today informed the Defense Committee in the German Bundestag about her plans in the legislature. She also made it clear that Germany stands closely on the side of Flag of Ukraine . We will deliver 5000 helmets to Ukraine – equipment that is needed.

Ministerin Lambrecht informierte heute den Verteidigungsausschuss im Deutschen Bundestag über ihre Vorhaben in der Legislatur. Sie machte auch deutlich, dass Deutschland eng an der Seite der 🇺🇦 steht. Wir werden 5000 Helme an die Ukraine liefern – Ausrüstung, die gebraucht wird. pic.twitter.com/tWbI44NAch

— Verteidigungsministerium (@BMVg_Bundeswehr) January 26, 2022

Well, it’s a “clear signal” but we’re not sure Ukraine will interpret it as “we stand by your side”:

https://twitter.com/mickbk/status/1486318241932849154

“It’s better than nothing,” they argue:

Germany's Defence Minister said, Germany sends 5,000 military helmets to Ukraine. It's better than nothing, but still raises many questions. If Germany acknowledges the need for equipment in front of Russian invasion, why not to send arms as support for the legitime self-defence? https://t.co/rGBIS4x43K

— Sergej Sumlenny (@sumlenny) January 26, 2022

Even better? We don’t know yet if the 5000 helmets are free or if Ukraine has to buy them:

Germany shifts position re:Ukraine and is now willing to export protective military equipment — concretely 5,000 helmets — to Kyiv. Still no lethal weapons. Defense ministry spokesperson could not say whether the helmets are a donation or have to be paid by Ukraine. https://t.co/Ob5fYvxPOy

— Hans von der Burchard (@vonderburchard) January 26, 2022