A Russian television chef, known for his outspoken opposition to Vladimir Putin’s wartime policies, was found dead at the age of 52 inside his hotel room in Belgrade, Serbia. Alexei Zimin's unexpected death has ushered in shock and sorrow among his colleagues and friends, especially within the culinary community where he had established his name.
Reports indicate Zimin was discovered by hotel staff on November 13, and Serbian authorities have stated there appear to be "no suspicious circumstances" surrounding his passing, though they are awaiting the results of toxicology tests and an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. He had recently traveled to Serbia for the promotion of his new book titled Anglomania, which explores British cultural influences.
Previously based in the UK, Zimin fled Russia after criticizing the Kremlin's aggressive moves during the annexation of Crimea back in 2014. Since relocating, he embraced his dual passion for cooking and social commentary by hosting the TV show Cooking with Alexei Zimin on the Russian NTV channel, which saw its cancellation after he publicly voiced anti-war sentiments following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Katerina Ternovskaya, co-owner of the restaurant where Zimin had presented his book, expressed disbelief at the event, recalling their last interaction as positive. “The diner was wonderful and Alexei was very happy,” she told reporters, highlighting the jovial atmosphere they shared just days before his death.
His restaurant, Zima, situated in London's Soho district, acknowledged Zimin's passing via social media, releasing heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. "To us, Alexei was not just a colleague; he was our friend and someone we shared many experiences with—both joyful and sorrowful,” the restaurant’s statement read.
Despite his relocation, Zimin remained deeply involved with the Russian cuisine scene and never shied away from discussing the political climate. He regularly addressed the challenges of running his restaurant amid threats and hostility directed at individuals opposing the war. “You need to close your restaurant or we'll do it,” he recounted facing abuse from patrons and concerns of arson threats against Zima following the outbreak of war.
Born and raised during the Soviet era, Zimin continuously advocated for free speech and democratic values. Over social media, he expressed sentiments against the war, urging for troops to return home. His eloquence and relatability allowed him to resonate with many, particularly those disillusioned with Putin's regime.
Since moving to the UK, Zimin had not returned to Russia, reportedly fearing for his safety amid the rise of Vladimir Putin's crackdown on dissenters both at home and among those living abroad. Nonetheless, he maintained his mission to support Ukrainian refugees, donating funds from his restaurant's earnings to humanitarian initiatives.
Although the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, this incident reignites discussions on the vulnerabilities faced by activists and dissidents after fleeing oppressive regimes. Numerous individuals who had criticized the Kremlin reported similar experiences of feeling threatened or even attacked since the onset of the war.
The news of Zimin's passing has left ripples through both the culinary world and broader society, as friends and supporters reminisce about the impact he made as both a chef and advocate. His written works, including Anglomania, seek to frame British culture through the lens of modern Russian concepts of freedom, democratic ideals, and human rights.
Dedicatory messages from friends and fans flood social media, highlighting Zimin's charm, culinary skills, and the despair felt by those who had the privilege of knowing him. The chef’s legacy of fighting against the absurdities of authoritarianism and using food as both comfort and resistance will continue to inspire future generations.
Calls for accountability and investigation surrounding Zimin’s sudden death were echoed by friends and relatives, casting who could perhaps be behind the chef’s fate, referencing past instances of dissenters facing suspicious endings. The tragic loss of Alexei Zimin underlines the fragile nature of safety for critics of Putin’s administration—whether they are based within Russia or abroad.
Ongoing reactions to Alexei Zimin’s death reflect not just on the man and his culinary contributions, but also the broader political dynamics within Russia and the risks associated with speaking truth to power.
The world eagerly awaits the results of the investigation, hoping it will bring clarity not just to Zimin’s loved ones but also reinforce the commitment to protecting the voices of those fighting for freedom and democracy.
Through his endeavors, Zimin transformed from chef to social activist, using his platform to challenge authoritarianism when few dared. His legacy is one of courage, culinary passion, and persistent advocacy for peace—a reminder of the importance of speaking out even when it costs everything.
