Alexei Zimin: Celebrity chef, author, Russian expatriate, outspoken critic of Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine — now dead at age 53.

Born in the Soviet Union in 1971, Zimin’s love of cooking led him to a career as a restaurateur and as host of a popular TV show on Russian TV. But his outspoken opposition to Russia’s invasion and annexation of Crimea in 2014 necessitated his leaving Russia for London, where he opened a Russian restaurant that he named Zima — an establishment that has become popular with the Russian expatriate population of London. He also publishes a magazine by the same name, and has co-authored several books.

He was able to continue broadcasting on Russia’s NTV channel until he posted anti-war messages on social media following the February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, at which time his show was discontinued in Russia. His response, posted on Instagram, was simply:

“There will be no new episodes due to the anti-war position of the host. Do I regret it? No, I regret that we ended up going to war. I don’t take part in the war, the war takes part in me.” [CBS News, November 14, 2024.]

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Zimin’s restaurant has been the target of threats and abuse. And on the evening of November 12th, when he hadn’t been heard from in three days, his body was found in the apartment he was renting in Belgrade, Serbia.

His last Instagram post on November 4th had announced that he would be in Belgrade on the 7th to prepare a special dinner in a club there, and to promote his most recently published book: Anglomania, “a personal look at the cultural history of Great Britain.” [RFE/RL, November 14, 2024.] So his whereabouts were no secret.

Belgrade authorities have reported that an autopsy, including a toxicology examination, will be performed, as there were no visible indications as to the cause of death.

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More than one source has noted that Zimin’s death is just the latest in a string of unsolved, suspicious incidents, both in Russia and in European countries, involving opponents of Vladimir Putin. These have included poisonings, shootings, and “falls” from windows. Matt Olsen, head of the National Security Division of the U.S. Justice Department, has said that he is concerned that this could extend into the United States:

“I don’t think Putin is trying to hide his hand. I think quite the opposite. I think . . . they’re going after their critics: both to eliminate the critics but also to send a stark and chilling message.” [CBS News, op.cit.]

Mr. Olsen, as is his job, is being circumspect. My opinion? I don’t just “think” that’s what’s going on.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
11/14/24