LVIV, Ukraine: When Russia began its assault on Ukraine in February, Ukrainian chef Ievgen Klopotenko’s gut reaction was not to pick up a gun.
His restaurant is called “Inshni,” Ukrainian for “Others.” Opened just over a week ago in the western city of Lviv, it serves free meals to anyone who asks for menu no. 2.
“I understood that I’m not very good with the guns ... but I know that I’m a very nice warrior with a knife,” said Klopotenko, who is a household name across his country. “My aim and my mission in life is to feed the people.”
A winner of the Ukrainian version of MasterChef, Klopotenko made headlines several years ago when he campaigned to place Ukrainian borscht, a reddish beef and cabbage soup, on UNESCO’s world heritage list. The Russian government contested the claim.
The restaurant’s funding has come from Klopotenko’s own pocket, donations and paying customers who eat from a separate menu.
Klopotenko said the majority of those eating the free meals have fled their homes in other parts of Ukraine and are making their way to Poland.
Olena Severinova, who was forced to leave her home in eastern Donetsk region due to bombardments from advancing Russian forces, has come to “Others” every day since she arrived in Lviv.
“I was forced to resettle because of the war,” said the 73-year-old, crying. “Thank you to everyone for actively taking part in saving our lives ... He fed us for free.”
Ukrainian celebrity chef serves up free meals for refugees
https://arab.news/mbsrf
Ukrainian celebrity chef serves up free meals for refugees
- His restaurant is called "Inshni", Ukrainian for "Others"
- Opened just over a week ago in the western city of Lviv, it serves free meals to anyone who asks for menu no. 2
First lady Melania Trump to preview new film at private White House screening
- Film offers rare behind-the-scenes access to Melania Trump
- First lady to ring NYSE opening bell to promote film
WASHINGTON: First lady Melania Trump will host a private White House screening on Saturday of a new film documenting her life in the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, an adviser said.
The movie, “Melania,” is set for a global release on January 30. Saturday’s showing will be the first time the president, her family and close friends see the film in full, said Marc Beckman, the first lady’s outside adviser and agent.
The film offers rare behind-the-scenes access to the first lady, who has kept a low public profile during her husband’s second term. The trailer opens on Inauguration Day in January 2025, showing her donning a navy wide-brimmed hat for the ceremony at the US Capitol. It also depicts her role as an adviser to the president, including a moment in which she encourages him to emphasize “peacemaker and unifier” in his inaugural address.
Beckman, who produced the film, oversaw the $40 million movie deal with Amazon’s MGM Studios, plus a follow-up documentary series set for release later this year focusing on some of Melania Trump’s priorities, including children in foster care.
“This is not a political film at all,” Beckman said in an interview, adding that the first lady spearheaded the film’s creative direction.
The movie highlights her fashion choices, diplomatic engagements and the operations surrounding her Secret Service protection. Beckman said viewers also will see moments that capture the president’s sense of humor.
Ahead of the public theatrical release of the film next week, the president and first lady will attend a premiere on Thursday at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center by the Trump-appointed board of directors.
The first lady is also scheduled to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday to promote the film, Beckman added.
