Greece Requests Assistance from Russia for Wildfire Suppression

Greece has requested the assistance of the Russian Federation for the suppression of wildfires ravaging the country, asking for two Il-76 aircraft and one Mi-8 helicopter. This was reported in a statement from the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to TASS, the discussion took place during a phone conversation between Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis and Russian Transport Minister Vitaly Savelyev, who co-chair the Greek-Russian Intergovernmental Mixed Commission.

"Varvitsiotis expressed gratitude to Savelyev for Russia's immediate and practical assistance during these difficult times for Greece," the statement noted, indicating that the aircraft and helicopter provided will aid in combating the wildfires.