Serbia's Firefighting Shift: From 'No Help Needed' to Russian Ilyushin Aid

Serbia's government initially projected confidence in its ability to handle extensive wildfires, with officials like Interior Minister Ivica Dačić and President Aleksandar Vučić emphasizing the country's self-sufficiency. They proudly detailed the helicopters and equipment available, suggesting foreign aid was unnecessary. Dačić stated on August 7 that Spain and France were seeking Serbia's help, and "we have never asked for help and did not need it." Vučić echoed this sentiment on August 16, asserting Serbia had sufficient forces to manage the crisis alone.

“

We have never asked for help and did not need it.

However, as fires raged for nearly a month, the situation necessitated a shift in strategy. By late August, Serbia requested and received assistance from Russia in the form of an Ilyushin aircraft, capable of delivering up to 42 tons of water per flight. The Russian Embassy confirmed the request came directly from the Serbian side.

“

It is not needed at this moment, we have enough forces and can deal with it ourselves.

Interior Minister Dačić, while still acknowledging Serbia's resources, explained that the terrain's inaccessibility made some equipment unusable. He noted that the crisis staff assessed the need for additional help, leading to the deployment of the Russian aircraft. Luka Čaušić, head of the Sector for Emergency Situations, elaborated on the choice of aid, explaining that while European mechanisms offer aircraft like Canadairs, they require large water bodies for refilling. He clarified that rivers like the Danube or Sava in Serbia are not suitable for this purpose. The Ilyushin, he stated, offers a capacity unmatched by European options, highlighting its suitability for the specific conditions Serbia faced.

“

Therefore, the assessment by the people from the Staff in the last 2-3 days was that it would be useful to engage additional help alongside our helicopters.