OLIA HERCULES

Olia Hercules was key in introducing the beauty of her homeland Ukraine and its food to British people.

Through her cookbooks, including Summer Kitchens, she excited minds with recollections of growing up in Ukraine and memories of food there.

As Russia began threatening Ukraine, Olia’s concern was apparent. And, when Putin’s forces invaded in February, her response was immediate and raw; a visceral, personal reaction that immediately put a face onto a war happening 1,500 miles away.

Olia interspersed personal reflections and recollections of her beloved country with practical information on how people could help, such as where to direct funds, as well as providing historical context to the invasion.

With friend Alissa Timoshkina, a Russian cook and author, the pair also demonstrated the complexities of Russian-ukraine relations and how entwined the two nations are. They set up Cook For Ukraine, an initiative that has, at the time of writing, raised almost £800,000 to support Ukrainians with vital equipment.

It is an incredible feat, considering how close Olia is to the war – her brother signed up to fight.

When Putin’s forces invaded in February, her response was immediate and raw, a visceral, personal reaction