Kyiv Mayor Criticizes Germany, "Next Time They Will Send Pillows" Support

Germany refuses arms support, provides only 5,000 helmets
NATO allies also criticize... Concerns over weakening unity

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The mayor of Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, strongly criticized the German government's support of military helmets by comparing it to "pillow" support. Previously, Ukraine had persistently requested Germany to provide heavy weapons to counter Russia's invasion, but Germany is reportedly continuing to oppose arms support. Amid growing concerns about a Russian invasion, there are also worries about increasing discord within Europe.

On the 26th (local time), Vitali Klitschko, mayor of Kyiv, said in an interview with Germany's Bild newspaper, "The German government's action of providing military helmets leaves me speechless," and fiercely criticized, "I want to ask if the German government will next provide pillows." He emphasized, "Germany seems not to realize that we are facing a Russian army fully equipped and capable of invading Ukraine at any time."

Mayor Klitschko's remarks are interpreted as mocking the German Ministry of Defense's announcement earlier that day to provide 5,000 military protective helmets to Ukraine. Christine Lambrecht, Germany's Minister of Defense, announced the plan to deliver 5,000 military helmets at a press conference and described it as "a clear signal that Germany stands with Ukraine."

Previously, Ukraine had repeatedly requested Germany for heavy weapons support such as warships and air defense systems. However, German high-ranking officials including Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock have maintained the position that supplying lethal weapons is impossible. The decision to deliver military helmets was made only after criticism from NATO allies as well as neighboring countries.

The German government's reluctance to supply weapons to Ukraine is evaluated to be due to its high dependence on Russian gas imports. Germany relies on natural gas-fired power generation for more than 25% of its total electricity, and it is known that over 90% of the natural gas used for power generation is imported from Russia.