Serbia seeks EU and Russian aid to combat wildfires

Belgrade announced on Thursday that Serbia has formally requested emergency assistance from both the European Union and the Russian Federation to help contain a series of intense wildfires that are currently raging across several regions of the country. The request comes as fire crews struggle to bring the blazes under control, prompting concerns about potential damage to property, infrastructure and the environment.

The wildfires, described by Serbian officials as “large‑scale and fast‑spreading,” have forced the evacuation of residents in affected municipalities and have strained national firefighting resources. In response, Serbia has appealed to the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism for rapid deployment of equipment, personnel and aerial support, while also seeking Russian assistance, which historically includes specialized firefighting aircraft and ground teams. Authorities are coordinating with both partners to arrange the quickest possible delivery of aid, with initial assistance expected within the next 24‑48 hours.

If the international support arrives as planned, officials expect a significant boost to containment efforts and a reduction in the risk of further spread. The collaborative response underscores the transnational nature of disaster relief and highlights Serbia’s reliance on external resources to manage severe environmental emergencies.