Russia bombed a humanitarian kitchen in Kharkiv led by famous chef José Andrés

The impact of a Russian missile on a premises used by the NGO “World Central Kitchen”, founded by the Spanish chef José Andrés, the so-called “solidarity kitchen” for Ukrainian civilians, left four injured in the city of Kharkiv, in the east of the country.

The director of the NGO, Nate Mook, reported on the attack suffered last Saturday through his twitter account, where he showed images of the place and concluded that “cooking is a heroic act of courage”. “Our work continues. The restaurant staff moves with their food and the unaffected equipment to another place in Kharkiv,” he said.

Mook assured that the injured “are recovering well” and that the whole team wants to continue their work “with courage”.

The NGO founded by José Andrés has been active in different parts of Ukraine since practically the beginning of the invasion and offers free hot food to displaced persons and other civilians affected by the conflict.

The Spanish chef himself has been in the Kiev region in the past few days, having started his work in Polish cities where the first refugees arrived, from where he later moved to other parts of Ukraine.

PEDRO SÁNCHEZ'S SUPPORT

The president of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, this Sunday conveyed his support to the Spanish chef after the attack and thanked him for the “immense and solidarity” work he is carrying out in that country through his NGO World Central Kitchen.

Sanchez wished a speedy recovery for the four people who were injured when a missile hit the NGO's premises in Kharkiv, according to the message spread on Twitter.

“Thank you for the immense and supportive work you do to help alleviate the effects of this cruel war. Spain will remain completely committed to Ukraine,” Sanchez wrote.

Despite the attack, the NGO that distributes food to civilians affected by the conflict, announced that it will continue its work from another location in the same city.

José Andrés also thanked the messages of concern via Twitter. “To all those who care and are transmitting their good wishes to the team in Kharkiv, thank you, the injured are fine and everyone is ready and willing to start cooking in another location,” said the Spanish chef.

THE ATTACK

At least five people have been killed in recent hours in a series of attacks in central Kharkov, according to information from local authorities in this eastern Ukrainian city, where Russian troops are apparently preparing a major offensive.

Another 13 people have been injured in the attacks, which took place this Sunday, reports Ukrainian portal Ukrinform.

The General Staff of the Ukrainian Army reported earlier today that significant troop movements had been detected in the eastern regions and especially in the strategic port city of Mariupol.

The Russian military command imposed an ultimatum on Ukrainian troops still in that Black Sea city to surrender, with assurances that their lives will be respected.

This ultimatum expired at 03.00 GMT without, according to Ukrainian sources, such surrender, while the Russian side assures that Kiev has banned its military from laying down their weapons.

The mayor's office of the besieged city estimates that 21,000 people have died there since the start of the Russian invasion, while another 100,000 citizens remain trapped in Mariupol.

This Sunday, no humanitarian corridors were opened for the evacuation of civilians from any of the Ukrainian regions under siege, after Kiev claimed that the Russian side had not provided security guarantees for these operations.

(with information from EFE)

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