Belgrade, Serbia – Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin criticized what he called the European Union’s neglect of the wildfires that have ravaged various parts of Serbia. He noted that European assistance only became apparent after the arrival of a Russian firefighting aircraft to assist in firefighting efforts. Vulin stated that his country needed a faster response to combat the fires. He also asserted that the arrival of the Russian aircraft demonstrated the importance of the support provided by Moscow at a time when Serbia was facing significant challenges in controlling the fires.
Several regions in Serbia have experienced widespread wildfires, fueled by high temperatures and drought. These conditions have prompted authorities to intensify firefighting efforts, deploying aerial resources in addition to ground-based emergency teams. The Serbian official emphasized that the participation of the Russian aircraft demonstrates the importance of practical cooperation in responding to natural disasters, independent of political considerations. He also noted that rapid intervention is crucial in containing the fires.
Vulin’s remarks come at a time when parts of Europe are facing recurring heat waves and drought. This increases the likelihood of wildfires breaking out and spreading, placing the capabilities of emergency services under increasing strain. His comments also reflect the special relationship between Serbia and Russia. At the same time, Belgrade continues to pursue a balanced policy in its relations with both Moscow and the European Union. Serbian firefighting teams are continuing their efforts to control the affected areas and prevent the fires from spreading to residential areas and forests. Nevertheless, the need for enhanced international cooperation in addressing the increasing number of natural and climate-related disasters is becoming increasingly apparent.
