Germany will supply Ukraine with 5,000 military helmets, Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht said amid growing criticism of Berlin's refusal to supply Kyiv with weapons to defend against a possible Russian invasion, Reuters reported.

"I received a letter from the Ukrainian embassy, requesting support with military equipment, helmets to be precise," Lambrecht told reporters in Berlin. "we will supply Ukraine with 5,000 helmets - as a clear signal: We are at your side," she said.

While the United States and Britain have begun supplying Ukraine with more weapons, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz ruled out sending "lethal weapons" despite repeated requests from Kyiv.

"This is equipment, not weapons, but it helps," Lambrecht said. "This is exactly how we will continue to work in this conflict. We are working towards reaching a peaceful solution to this conflict in the middle of Europe," she added.