# Russian aircraft to begin firefighting in Serbia on August 20

https://mins.news/en/item/26618

- TASS, 2026-08-19 20:09 UTC
- World
- Original: https://tass.com/emergencies/2175337

> A Russian Emergencies Ministry Il-76 aircraft that arrived in Nis will begin fighting Serbia’s forest fires on August 20, commander Andrey Vilkov said. Equipped with a water-dropping system, the aircraft can release up to 42 tons of water. Serbia requested assistance from Moscow amid a difficult wildfire situation.

## Related coverage

- [EU sends helicopters and firefighters to tackle wildfires in Serbia](https://mins.news/en/item/29326) — Reuters, 2026-08-22
