Kitchen of Friendship in Chernihiv Region: Support for IDPs in Novoselivka and Mission in Ripky

Following the completion of its work in the Cherkasy region, the humanitarian initiative “Kitchen of Friendship” moved to the Chernihiv region, where the team operated on March 12–13. As one of the regions most affected in the early stages of the full-scale invasion, the primary goal of the visit was to support people who lost their homes, as well as residents of border communities.

Support for IDPs in Novoselivka

In Novoselivka, the team focused its efforts on two locations where internally displaced persons (IDPs) are currently living in shared accommodation. Beyond distributing hot meals, the initiative aimed to support people who are rebuilding their lives. At both locations, volunteers created a space for communication where people could share their stories and feel they were not alone in facing ongoing challenges.

Humanitarian Mission in Ripky

The next stop was Ripky, a settlement located near the state border. Volunteers prepared approximately 500–600 portions of traditional Kazakh pilaf for local residents. Alongside food distribution, direct interaction with the community played an important role in providing support to people living in border areas.

About the Kitchen of Friendship Initiative

The “Kitchen of Friendship” initiative is implemented as part of the “Yurt of Invincibility” project. The initiative is led by Member of Parliament of Ukraine Serhii Nahorniak, Head of the Interparliamentary Relations Group with the Republic of Kazakhstan. Large-scale support is made possible through cooperation with the Kazakhstani holding BI Group, which consistently provides assistance to Ukraine.

The visit to Novoselivka and Ripky is another step toward the goal of preparing 15,000 portions of pilaf across Ukraine. The mission continues, with upcoming visits planned to other border and frontline regions where support is most needed.