MasterChef judge joins the Ukrainian Army
20 May 19:54
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Hector Jimenez-Bravo, a Ukrainian chef of Colombian origin, businessman, TV presenter, and judge of the MasterChef Ukraine project, has undergone special training with the military of the 429th separate regiment of unmanned systems “ACHILLES”. He wrote about it on April 20 on his Facebook page.
The man was prompted to publish the post by publications in the Ukrainian media, which stated that he had mobilized in the Armed Forces.
Being a Ukrainian soldier is a great honor and responsibility. This title belongs to the best. So I have to clarify,” said Hector Jimenez-Bravo.
The chef explained that as a foreigner, he could have joined the foreign legion, but instead chose the AHILLES drone regiment, whose military he has been helping for a long time.
This is a unit whose soldiers I have been supporting for a long time, so I have now completed a special training with them. I’m trying to understand from the inside how the regiment functions, what problems arise, and what are the ways to solve them. In the future, I will represent the regiment and take part in the activities of the unit to which the command will involve me,” wrote Hector Jimenez-Bravo.
The TV presenter added that he will also continue to take care of the military’s supplies.
“This does not mean that I will completely disappear from civilian life. However, my focus will now be on the places where it is really important for everyone who wants to win to look,” said Hector Jimenez-Bravo.
What is Hector Jimenez-Bravo known for?
Hector Jiménez-Bravo is a celebrity chef, restaurateur, TV presenter and public figure born in Colombia, who holds Canadian citizenship and has been actively developing culinary and charitable activities in Ukraine since 2009. He is best known to viewers as the chief judge of the popular TV show MasterChef on STB, where he not only evaluates dishes but also teaches, inspires and supports the participants.
Jiménez-Bravo has studied at prestigious culinary schools, worked in Michelin-starred restaurants, gained international recognition, and traveled around the world on dozens of gastronomic trips. In Ukraine, he has become a true ambassador of haute cuisine, having opened a series of author’s restaurants, including BAO, NAM and ETER, which are known not only in the capital but also abroad. His signature style is a combination of Latin American, European and Asian flavors using Ukrainian ingredients.
After the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Ektor became actively involved in the volunteer movement. He has repeatedly traveled to the frontline areas with humanitarian aid, organized the transfer of food, hygiene products, equipment and medicines. His foundation supports the military, doctors and IDPs. On his social media, Jimenez-Bravo regularly posts videos about his activities and appeals to the international community to help Ukraine.
In May 2021, Hector received Ukrainian citizenship. He openly calls Ukraine his second homeland, actively promotes its culture and cuisine abroad, and believes in the country’s victory and recovery.
What you need to know about the separate regiment of unmanned systems “AHILLES”
the 429th separate regiment of unmanned aerial systems “HILLS” is a high-tech unit of the Land Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine that specializes in aerial reconnaissance and fire damage to the enemy using unmanned aerial vehicles.
The unit was formed in the first days of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. It was formed by volunteers who created a rifle company of the 128th Battalion of the 112th Territorial Defense Brigade. Later, during the fighting in the Kharkiv region, the company began to actively use drones for aerial reconnaissance and artillery fire adjustment. In January 2023, the unit became one of the first companies to use unmanned aerial vehicles as part of the 92nd Separate Assault Brigade. Due to its high efficiency, in January 2024 the company was expanded to a battalion, and in January 2025 – to the 429th separate regiment of unmanned aerial systems “Akhilles”.
Main tasks:
- Aerial reconnaissance and observation of enemy positions.
- Adjustment of artillery fire.
- Use of attack drones to destroy enemy equipment and manpower.
- Development and implementation of the latest technologies in the field of unmanned systems.
In 2023-2024, the unit destroyed and damaged more than 19,853 enemy targets, including armored vehicles, artillery systems and enemy logistics facilities.
The regiment’s commander is Captain Yuriy Fedorenko, call sign Achilles, an ATO veteran who began his combat career in 2014 in the ranks of the National Guard of Ukraine. After being wounded and discharged from the service, he voluntarily joined the territorial defense in January 2022. Thanks to his leadership and openness to innovation, the unit has become one of the most effective in the field of unmanned systems.
As of 2025, the 429th Regiment of Unmanned Systems “ACHILLES” is actively performing combat missions in key areas of the front, in particular in the areas of Kupiansk and Dvorichna in Kharkiv region. The unit continues to increase its combat capabilities by introducing the latest technologies and engaging IT, communications and engineering specialists.
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