Chef Jose Andres made an emotional request to the world while helping with meals Ukrainian refugees on the Polish border, saying that “we must speak out against the leaders who divide us.”
Andres shared a selfie-style video late Monday, drawing attention to the plight of Ukraine’s violence-avoiding people. He said it was “difficult to know” that Ukrainian refugees – mostly women with children – were outside in sub-zero temperatures or in their petrol-free cars, waiting in line to leave the country.
“Why are we putting young men and women in this position?” He said. “We haven’t learned enough from the horrors of the past.”
Andres also targeted Russian President Vladimir Putin, who called for an invasion of Ukraine. “People, we need to speak out against leaders who are breaking us …” he said. “Life is not a game of monopoly. Life is real. Both the voiceless and the poor are always faced with the consequences.”
At least 677,000 people have fled Ukraine since the beginning of the invasion and many more are expected to leave, According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
The charity of a famous chef, World Central Kitchen, said it is now in Ukraine, Romania and Poland and helping to feed hungry people who have been displaced. In an update Tuesday, Andres was photographed at a local bakery outside Lviv, Ukraine, where he helped provide flour to a needy bakery.
“People need to be fed,” he said. “And sometimes in a bakery like this you see people being useful with bread.”
The United Nations and humanitarian agencies have urgently called for $ 1.7 billion, citing “a sharp increase in humanitarian needs as basic supplies and services are disrupted and civilians flee fighting.” The UN estimates that 12 million Ukrainians will need protection and assistance.
Christopher Brito
