Episode 32: Yuliia Tymoshenko: The Ukrainian Kitchen and the Spirit of Resilience
(C) World Central Kitchen
Yuliia Tymoshenko works with World Central Kitchen, the humanitarian organization founded by chef José Andrés. Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, World Central Kitchen has supported communities across the country, providing hot meals, fresh bread, potable water, and food assistance to families living through displacement and conflict.
Raised in Ukraine, Yuliia’s connection to cooking began at the age of seven beside her grandmother, where food became deeply connected to family, care, and cultural memory. What started in a home kitchen eventually led her into a career spanning restaurants, culinary operations, and humanitarian food relief.
After years working internationally, Yuliia returned home to Ukraine in 2025 to support relief efforts through her work with World Central Kitchen, helping provide not only nourishment, but also comfort and a sense of home through food and cultural connection.
Today, she coordinates culinary operations supporting communities affected by the war, ensuring meals remain familiar, comforting, and rooted in care.
We spoke with Yuliia about how the war has transformed Ukrainians’ relationship with food, how communities have come together to support one another, and how traditional dishes like borsch and varenyky continue to provide unity and stability in the midst of conflict.
To learn more about World Central Kitchen in the Ukraine and beyond and how to support their mission please visit their website.
To get a taste of the Ukrainian summer - try cooking Yuliia’s favorite summer dish - Cherry Varenyky.