In brief
Despite the relentless challenges of the front line, soldiers are receiving nourishing meals thanks to dedicated cooks like Pvt. Yaroslav Breus, who once competed on a popular cooking show.
In the midst of the conflict in Ukraine, cooking for the troops has become a formidable task. Just recently, a Russian missile strike shattered windows and damaged the kitchen facilities at a military base in eastern Ukraine. However, Pvt. Yaroslav Breus, along with his team, swiftly repaired the damage to continue preparing vital meals for the soldiers. “Given the situation we’re in, this meal could very well be our last,” said Private Breus as he diligently worked on frying pork steaks and preparing a hearty borscht for the several hundred soldiers in his unit, the First Assault Battalion of the Third Assault Brigade. He buzzed about the kitchen, skillfully navigating around large cauldrons and sizzling pans, with a straightforward menu in mind which included beetroot salad topped with roasted walnuts and boiled potatoes enhanced with melted butter and parsley. Despite the continuous threat of Russian attacks and the severe conditions faced daily, the soldiers feel fortunate to enjoy relatively hearty meals. Breus, a former chef at the renowned Kyiv restaurant, Veranda, previously delighted audiences on the Ukrainian version of “MasterChef.” Once known for his distinctive headband and skilled borscht preparation, he has now embraced a new, critical role, sacrificing his culinary career to serve his country in its time of need.
