Fighting With Knives, MasterChef Winner Serves Free Food To Refugees Due To Russian Invasion

JAKARTA - When Russia began its assault on Ukraine in February, the reaction of Ukrainian chef Ievgen Klopotenko was not to take up arms, but to fight with his skills.

Using his restaurant, Inshni, the Ukrainian word for 'Other', which opened more than a week ago in Lviv, western Ukraine, which is a destination for refugees seeking to leave for Poland, he serves free meals to anyone who orders menu no.2.

"I understand that I am not good at using weapons. But I know I am a very good fighter with a knife," said Klopotenko.

"My goal and mission in life is to feed people," continued Klopotenko.

The restaurant's funding comes from Klopotenko's own pockets, donations and paying customers who eat from separate menus.

Klopotenko said the majority of those eating the free meals were refugees, who left their homes in other parts of Ukraine and headed for Poland.

For example, Olena Severinova, who was forced to leave her home in the Donetsk region of eastern Ukraine due to bombing from invading Russian troops, has been coming to Klopotenko's restaurant every day since arriving in Lviv.

"I was forced to flee because of the war," said the 73-year-old refugee in tears.

"Thanks to everyone, for actively taking part in saving our lives. He feeds us for free," said Olena.

To note, Klopotenko, winner of the 2015 Ukrainian version of MasterChef, made headlines a few years ago when he campaigned to place Ukrainian borscht, beetroot and sorrel soup, on the UNESCO world heritage list. The Russian government opposes the claim.