Serbia has been grappling with extensive wildfires for almost a month but has notably refrained from seeking aid from the European Union. Despite the ongoing crisis, Belgrade opted to request assistance from Russia, specifically a firefighting aircraft. Serbian officials justified this decision by highlighting the Russian aircraft’s superior water-carrying capabilities compared to EU options. This move has prompted questions from the EU regarding Serbia’s commitment to European solidarity and its increasing reliance on Russian support. The decision occurs amid Serbia’s ongoing EU accession process and heightened geopolitical tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This situation raises concerns about the evolving relationship between Serbia, the EU, and Russia.