Belgrade: A statement from Zima shared heartfelt memories of Alexei, describing him as a dear friend and colleague. They expressed gratitude for the support and kind words received about him. The Zima team stands with Alexei’s family in their time of grief.
Alexei was known for his cooking shows in Russia, which aired for 11 years. However, they stopped when he openly criticized Putin’s war. Reports from Moskvich magazine revealed that he was found dead in a hotel in Belgrade while promoting his new book, Anglomania.
In London, Alexei owned a restaurant in Soho that served modern Russian cuisine. His Zima Club was a popular spot for Russian expats, hosting various events and workshops. It became a safe space for those labeled as “foreign agents” by the Kremlin and forced to leave Russia.
He is survived by his wife, Tatiana, a costume designer, and their 17-year-old daughter, Varvara. Tatiana previously worked at Vogue Russia and studied at the University of the Arts London.
Three months after the invasion of Ukraine, Alexei shared his hope for a free Russia. He expressed his disappointment over losing his TV show due to his anti-war stance. He had hosted the program for 22 seasons on NTV before it was canceled.
Alexei’s words reflected his deep feelings about the war, stating he did not regret his position. He felt the war affected him deeply, even if he did not participate directly. His legacy will be remembered by many who admired his courage and passion for change.
Image Credit: metro.co.uk