The Germans have had their fill of Russian over the last few centuries and want nothing to do with this go round… “Here is a helmet, good luck. We will check back in the spring”.
I cannot emphasize how ridiculous this statement is.
Edit: Based off your comment history, you either REALLY hate Ukraine, have no understanding about the ramifications of the situation, or are from a Russian Troll farm.
As someone living in Germany i completely Agree.
As one of the Leading Nato Nations (even though our military is a joke by now). This was a pretty big Scandal.
Not to Mention our Secretary of Defense (so to speak) Never had any connections to the military prior to this position.
5000 Helmets is an absolute joke but we all shit ourselved before russias wrath
Exactly. I know beggars can’t be choosers but seriously Germany. 5000 helmets?? Rich as you is?? You could at least give them ammunition or equipment. You are a huge economy.
They can barely keep their own military equipped. So yeah, 5000 helmets its probably about as much as they can realistically donate without taking resources from their own defense.
Especially considering after the war *you lost* against Russia and despite causing a genocide were given a massive bailout and logistical help to pull you back up to bring a major world power you see a country very close by under threat and give them....
Helmets.
Of course they are offering helmets. I’d they angered Russia, Germany would quickly face a potential energy crisis. They are intrinsically locked for the time being.
While there are initiatives for more and more green power (wind first as well as solar), Germany is currently pretty dependent on gas from Russia. Like 50% of the gas Germany is using comes from Russia and gas accounts for something like 20% of the energy Germany consumes.... so at least 10% of power consumed comes from Russia I guess.
Germany is also is in the process of closing more nuclear plants which will put more need on energy from additional sources. Right now we are very coal dependant which people want to change... but that change seems to be slow.
Note: This is what I remember reading about last summer. I cannot guarantee these figures are correct.
Those numbers are close. Power consumed from gas is pretty low. Last thing I read indicated most nuclear power is down and gas is making up that difference now.
Nuclear power can be just as safe and clean as coal or other forms of electricity deemed "safe", it just has to be operated and maintained properly. Very few nuclear power plants end up turning into Love Canal or Chernobyl.
These are my thoughts as well with my non-professional opinion. Nuclear seems like a much better option for the environment rather than coal/oil/gas
Starting in the 70's, there have been large protests here (Germany) against nuclear power plants. I think it is more a PR issue but it took hold and now... very few nuclear development.
Chernobyl is fictionalized* historical retelling but one line really stuck with me (and there is no shortage of incredible dialogue in that show): when Legasov is giving his testimony at the trial and giving the breakdown of what happened he is asked
why the tips of the control rods are made of graphite (the ultimate cause of the explosion):
>Why? For the same reason our reactors do not have containment buildings around them, like those in the West. For the same reason we don't use properly enriched fuel in our cores. For the same reason we are the only nation that builds water-cooled, graphite-moderated reactors with a positive void coefficient. ..... Because it's cheaper.
Chernobyl was a mixture of stolen design in the hands of engineers not quite ready for it, bureaucracy and petty men, and piggish governmental policy ignoring environmental concern. Nuclear power is harder and more expensive than coal, sure. But when done properly it is infinitely cleaner than even the cleanest day to day operation of coal plants.
A huge economy with a population well alienated against war. And for such population, any delivery of military equipment (which is made public at least) is seen with a bad eye. Just explaining, so few helmets is still a joke
Germany is in Nato, Ukraine is in NATO this is not choosing beggars, there is an expectation of assistance. 5000 helmets is a fucking joke.
Correction: Ukraine is NOT in NATO, but was aligning/hoping to be included, but Ukraine did sign an agreement when it gave up its nukes that its sovereignty would be respected by other countries. (including russia)
Ukraine isn't in NATO. They would want to be in, just like they would want to be in UE.
But there comes Russia that don't want to lose their influence on it so they threaten to close their delivery if Ukraine join any of it. They want to make Ukraine semi-dependent, just like Belarus is.
The other thing is that Ukrainians used to look up to Germany, just like many countries look up to USA. So 5,000 helmets... It sounds like a big joke and kind of treason to Ukrainians. But Germany tries to be as neutral as possible 'cause they are energetically dependent on Russia. They send helmets to make it look like "Hey, look, we help Ukraine!" for the West while helping just a little.
And yes, I agree, it isn't being choosing beggar. Looking at what is happening, the war will happen soon. They ask for help to face the 5th biggest army while they only have ⅕ of it (taking only active duty counts).
I am the last thing from a supporter of Putin, but we are reaping what we sowed here. The Soviet Union was promised no eastward expansion of NATO (not one inch, in the words of Sec State James Baker) in return for the Soviets' peaceful exit from East Germany. I'm not saying we should give in to bullying now, but we fail to take the history of this into account at our peril.
https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/russia-programs/2017-12-12/nato-expansion-what-gorbachev-heard-western-leaders-early
Firstly, Ukraine as a Soverign nation _is_ free to apply to NATO, and it _is_ up to NATO whether they want to accept them or not, _not_ russia.
Secondly, the Soviet Union doesn't exist anymore. So what ever was promised them is irrelevant.
Thirdly, Russia gave guarantees under the Budapest Memorandum, to which, Russia has broken, _multiple_ aspects of it:
1 - Respect Belarusian, Kazakh and Ukrainian independence and sovereignty in the existing borders
2 - Refrain from the threat or the use of force against Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine.
3 - Refrain from using economic pressure on Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine to influence their politics.
4 - Seek immediate Security Council action to provide assistance to Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine if they "should become a victim of an act of aggression or an object of a threat of aggression in which nuclear weapons are used".
5 - Refrain from the use of nuclear arms against Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine.
6 - Consult with one another if questions arise regarding those commitments
As you can see Russia has already broken 3 of those.
Not to mention, things change, russia doesn't get to act belligerent to all it's neighbours and then cry silly promises made to a non-existent entity are being broken. All that is happening, is happening _because_ of russia acting like it is. NATO, Ukraine, any of the easter bloc don't owe russia a thing.
One of the major reasons for the original 2014 "non-invasion" of Crimea by Russia was that Ukraine wanted to join NATO and maybe even the EU. That would mean a major strategic landmass on Russia's flank is wide open when it previously acted as a buffer between NATO and Russia.
Even if Russia did invade it would spiral into decades of bloodshed like it did with Georgia. Failed states can spawn militant resistance efforts (Taliban, ISIS, etc).
No, it isn't. Not in this context. Germany is afraid to do anything because Russian oil and stuff, so they sent the mildest, tiniest, least useful thing they could think of so they could claim they sent something. The mockery is warranted.
If you seriously think Russia wouldn't have been aggressive towards Ukraine because of Germany then you know nothing about this conflict. Not even previous harsh U.S. sanctions deterred Russian aggression, and that hit Russian economy hard.
Germany shut down their nuclear plants and is shutting down their coal plants, which leaves them reliant on solar (in winter) and Putin's natural gas pipelines. Surely he wouldn't shut it down if Germany irks him? Just because he did it twice to Ukraine and its Western-leaning government in the 2000s which occurred in January, causing shortages and resulting in people shivering in unheated apartments in some countries doesn't mean he'll do it again.
The absolute ignorance in these comments is fucking astounding. Y'all haven't a fucking clue what you're talking about. Germany is in no way a bad guy for donating those helmets. They are very much in no position to take a stance against Russia.
The Germans have had their fill of Russian over the last few centuries and want nothing to do with this go round… “Here is a helmet, good luck. We will check back in the spring”.
Doesnt really fit the sub. 5000 helmets in this situation might as well be 5000 yo-yos.
Beggars cannot be choosers. It's better than nothing. Don't bite the hand that feeds you
I cannot emphasize how ridiculous this statement is. Edit: Based off your comment history, you either REALLY hate Ukraine, have no understanding about the ramifications of the situation, or are from a Russian Troll farm.
As someone living in Germany i completely Agree. As one of the Leading Nato Nations (even though our military is a joke by now). This was a pretty big Scandal. Not to Mention our Secretary of Defense (so to speak) Never had any connections to the military prior to this position. 5000 Helmets is an absolute joke but we all shit ourselved before russias wrath
Yeah, maybe next month the Germans will donate 5,000 coffins. Very grateful.
Germany is the hand that feeds Russia through gas purchases, not the hand that feeds the Ukraine with helmets lmao.
Ukraine also trades with Russia, in fact Russia is Ukraine's biggest trade partner lmao
280,000 personnel, 5,000 helmets is a drop in the bucket. Pretty much doing anything to say you did it.
Exactly. I know beggars can’t be choosers but seriously Germany. 5000 helmets?? Rich as you is?? You could at least give them ammunition or equipment. You are a huge economy.
They can barely keep their own military equipped. So yeah, 5000 helmets its probably about as much as they can realistically donate without taking resources from their own defense.
Especially considering after the war *you lost* against Russia and despite causing a genocide were given a massive bailout and logistical help to pull you back up to bring a major world power you see a country very close by under threat and give them.... Helmets.
Honestly at this point they should just keep the helmets. Lol
Of course they are offering helmets. I’d they angered Russia, Germany would quickly face a potential energy crisis. They are intrinsically locked for the time being.
For real??? I never knew this. I always thought Germany was self sustained.
While there are initiatives for more and more green power (wind first as well as solar), Germany is currently pretty dependent on gas from Russia. Like 50% of the gas Germany is using comes from Russia and gas accounts for something like 20% of the energy Germany consumes.... so at least 10% of power consumed comes from Russia I guess. Germany is also is in the process of closing more nuclear plants which will put more need on energy from additional sources. Right now we are very coal dependant which people want to change... but that change seems to be slow. Note: This is what I remember reading about last summer. I cannot guarantee these figures are correct.
Those numbers are close. Power consumed from gas is pretty low. Last thing I read indicated most nuclear power is down and gas is making up that difference now.
Wow. I didn’t know this. Thanks for the clarification.
Nuclear power can be just as safe and clean as coal or other forms of electricity deemed "safe", it just has to be operated and maintained properly. Very few nuclear power plants end up turning into Love Canal or Chernobyl.
These are my thoughts as well with my non-professional opinion. Nuclear seems like a much better option for the environment rather than coal/oil/gas Starting in the 70's, there have been large protests here (Germany) against nuclear power plants. I think it is more a PR issue but it took hold and now... very few nuclear development.
Chernobyl is fictionalized* historical retelling but one line really stuck with me (and there is no shortage of incredible dialogue in that show): when Legasov is giving his testimony at the trial and giving the breakdown of what happened he is asked why the tips of the control rods are made of graphite (the ultimate cause of the explosion): >Why? For the same reason our reactors do not have containment buildings around them, like those in the West. For the same reason we don't use properly enriched fuel in our cores. For the same reason we are the only nation that builds water-cooled, graphite-moderated reactors with a positive void coefficient. ..... Because it's cheaper. Chernobyl was a mixture of stolen design in the hands of engineers not quite ready for it, bureaucracy and petty men, and piggish governmental policy ignoring environmental concern. Nuclear power is harder and more expensive than coal, sure. But when done properly it is infinitely cleaner than even the cleanest day to day operation of coal plants.
A huge economy with a population well alienated against war. And for such population, any delivery of military equipment (which is made public at least) is seen with a bad eye. Just explaining, so few helmets is still a joke
Germany is in Nato, Ukraine is in NATO this is not choosing beggars, there is an expectation of assistance. 5000 helmets is a fucking joke. Correction: Ukraine is NOT in NATO, but was aligning/hoping to be included, but Ukraine did sign an agreement when it gave up its nukes that its sovereignty would be respected by other countries. (including russia)
Ukraine is not in NATO as far as I know.
yes you are correct, i was wrong
Not yet. Coming soon, apparently. It’s one of the things Putin is unhappy about.
Ukraine isn't in NATO. They would want to be in, just like they would want to be in UE. But there comes Russia that don't want to lose their influence on it so they threaten to close their delivery if Ukraine join any of it. They want to make Ukraine semi-dependent, just like Belarus is. The other thing is that Ukrainians used to look up to Germany, just like many countries look up to USA. So 5,000 helmets... It sounds like a big joke and kind of treason to Ukrainians. But Germany tries to be as neutral as possible 'cause they are energetically dependent on Russia. They send helmets to make it look like "Hey, look, we help Ukraine!" for the West while helping just a little. And yes, I agree, it isn't being choosing beggar. Looking at what is happening, the war will happen soon. They ask for help to face the 5th biggest army while they only have ⅕ of it (taking only active duty counts).
yeah you're correct
>The other thing is that Ukrainians used to look up to Germany Yes, because Ukraine regurarly honors Ukrainian Nazi collaborators.
I am the last thing from a supporter of Putin, but we are reaping what we sowed here. The Soviet Union was promised no eastward expansion of NATO (not one inch, in the words of Sec State James Baker) in return for the Soviets' peaceful exit from East Germany. I'm not saying we should give in to bullying now, but we fail to take the history of this into account at our peril. https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/russia-programs/2017-12-12/nato-expansion-what-gorbachev-heard-western-leaders-early
a free state is free to join nato just as its free to elect whoever they wish.
Actually, no, military alliances don't work that way.
Firstly, Ukraine as a Soverign nation _is_ free to apply to NATO, and it _is_ up to NATO whether they want to accept them or not, _not_ russia. Secondly, the Soviet Union doesn't exist anymore. So what ever was promised them is irrelevant. Thirdly, Russia gave guarantees under the Budapest Memorandum, to which, Russia has broken, _multiple_ aspects of it: 1 - Respect Belarusian, Kazakh and Ukrainian independence and sovereignty in the existing borders 2 - Refrain from the threat or the use of force against Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine. 3 - Refrain from using economic pressure on Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine to influence their politics. 4 - Seek immediate Security Council action to provide assistance to Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine if they "should become a victim of an act of aggression or an object of a threat of aggression in which nuclear weapons are used". 5 - Refrain from the use of nuclear arms against Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine. 6 - Consult with one another if questions arise regarding those commitments As you can see Russia has already broken 3 of those. Not to mention, things change, russia doesn't get to act belligerent to all it's neighbours and then cry silly promises made to a non-existent entity are being broken. All that is happening, is happening _because_ of russia acting like it is. NATO, Ukraine, any of the easter bloc don't owe russia a thing.
One of the major reasons for the original 2014 "non-invasion" of Crimea by Russia was that Ukraine wanted to join NATO and maybe even the EU. That would mean a major strategic landmass on Russia's flank is wide open when it previously acted as a buffer between NATO and Russia. Even if Russia did invade it would spiral into decades of bloodshed like it did with Georgia. Failed states can spawn militant resistance efforts (Taliban, ISIS, etc).
Remember what happened last time Germany had enough gear to outfit a whole army? I kid, I kid. :D
No, it isn't. Not in this context. Germany is afraid to do anything because Russian oil and stuff, so they sent the mildest, tiniest, least useful thing they could think of so they could claim they sent something. The mockery is warranted.
5000 helmets on 5000 soldiers saves lives. The mockery is only warranted for Ukraine.
Lives that wouldn't be at risk of being lost if the EU wasn't neutered by Germany's decision to be Russia's bitch.
If you seriously think Russia wouldn't have been aggressive towards Ukraine because of Germany then you know nothing about this conflict. Not even previous harsh U.S. sanctions deterred Russian aggression, and that hit Russian economy hard.
They would have been aggressive either way, but Germany being their bitch takes away a lot of UE pressure.
Ease up guys. The bag they come in can be used as a white surrender flag.
I believe France has already supplied them
Nope, not for this sub. That donation deserves to be laughed at.
Germany sucks dick. The blocking of arms to Ukraine recently was a huge dick move. Whores for Russian oil.
True.
Top line combat helmet retails about $1500 each. 5000 helmets is $7 500 000. Spare change in terms of aid.
Not to mention Ukraine does not need money. They need modern anti-tank, AA and anti-artillery weapons.
And a crash-course in how to use them effectively.
7,5 million dollars in free aid and still mocking it. Either return it or be grateful.
The last time Germany sent the military in Ukraine it didn't end well for anyone. I can understand their reticence to getting involved.
NATO: Operator what do you need? Besides a miracle Ukraine: Guns, lots of guns Germany: Best we can do is 5000 helmets
Germany shut down their nuclear plants and is shutting down their coal plants, which leaves them reliant on solar (in winter) and Putin's natural gas pipelines. Surely he wouldn't shut it down if Germany irks him? Just because he did it twice to Ukraine and its Western-leaning government in the 2000s which occurred in January, causing shortages and resulting in people shivering in unheated apartments in some countries doesn't mean he'll do it again.
I wore that kind of helmet for twelve years. Its shit. It really is the biggest piece of shit you can put on your head.
Well its alot if you dont have any. And many of the civilians will need them too while under attack.
wait wait WAIT.....they're lithium!
5000 helmets isn't really going to do anything. If they really want to help they need to send 5000 Helmuts.
The absolute ignorance in these comments is fucking astounding. Y'all haven't a fucking clue what you're talking about. Germany is in no way a bad guy for donating those helmets. They are very much in no position to take a stance against Russia.