Story perspectives

Serbia fights Deliblato wildfire with EU and Russian aircraft aid

8/22/2026

Summary

Serbia Battles Wildfire

Serbia accepted four EU Blackhawk helicopters to fight the Deliblato Sands wildfire.
Russia dispatched an Il-76 water-bombing aircraft carrying 42,000 litres to assist Serbian crews.
More than 350 firefighters, soldiers, forestry workers and volunteers were deployed to the blaze.
Ground teams cut over 60 km of firebreaks up to 80 m wide to starve the fire.
No human casualties have been reported despite toxic smoke and intense heat.

Summary

Serbia Declines Aid

Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dacic said Serbia has not activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
President Aleksandar Vucic thanked EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for monitoring the crisis but said aid was unnecessary.
European Commission spokesperson warned cooperation with Russia cannot be “business as usual” while offering standby aid.
Belgrade has not joined EU sanctions against Moscow, maintaining a neutral stance despite the Ukraine war.

History

Historical Context

Since its 2001 launch, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism has fielded over 700 assistance requests and coordinated responses to major disasters like the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan. Today, Serbia confronts a blaze with Russian Il-76 aircraft dropping 42,000 litres and 350 local responders, while refusing to activate the EU mechanism, underscoring the tension between historic European disaster cooperation and current geopolitical choices.

1 of 3

Serbia Battles Wildfire

Serbia accepted four EU Blackhawk helicopters to fight the Deliblato Sands wildfire.
Russia dispatched an Il-76 water-bombing aircraft carrying 42,000 litres to assist Serbian crews.
More than 350 firefighters, soldiers, forestry workers and volunteers were deployed to the blaze.
Ground teams cut over 60 km of firebreaks up to 80 m wide to starve the fire.
No human casualties have been reported despite toxic smoke and intense heat.

1 / 3