A prominent Russian chef known for his opposition to the Ukraine war was discovered deceased in a hotel room in Serbia this week, as reported by various news sources.

Alexei Zimin, who had his cooking show canceled after voicing criticism about Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, was found dead during his visit to Belgrade, the Serbian capital, according to AFP. He was in the city to promote his latest book, Anglomania, as stated by the Guardian.

The specific circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, but Serbian authorities informed the BBC that there were “no suspicious circumstances,” and an autopsy along with a toxicology examination will be conducted.

Zimin gained fame in Russia through a television show aired on NTV. Following his public condemnation of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the program was taken off the air, according to the Guardian.

After the onset of the Ukraine war, Zimin shared multiple anti-war videos on his Instagram, including one that stated, “This idea isn’t new. End the war. Withdraw the troops and bring our soldiers home.”

Zimin also expressed dissent against Putin’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and relocated to London shortly thereafter in 2015, according to Meduza.

He was the founder of Ragout, Moscow’s first chef’s table restaurant, and launched a fast food gastronomic chain with outlets throughout Moscow. In London, he co-established the Russian eatery ZIMA, as highlighted on the restaurant’s website.

In addition, he served as the editor-in-chief for several publications, including the Russian edition of GQ.

“[Alexei] Zimin was more than his culinary and literary skills,” Mikhail Fishman, a journalist who had known Zimin for over three decades, expressed on Facebook. “He was a multifaceted individual who cooked, sang, wrote, and spoke – he was the essence of life and vitality.”