Viktor Perekhrest, a finalist of the fourth season of the culinary show "MasterChef," who joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine after the start of the full-scale invasion, has received serious injuries during the evacuation of fellow soldiers. According to the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and a post by the project team on Instagram, the soldier is now in need of long-term treatment and significant financial support. Ukrainian publications reported on his condition and the fundraising process, citing the primary source Styler (RBC-Ukraine).
How the injury occurred
According to reports, Perekhrest, who uses the call sign "Palto" (Coat) and serves in the 101st Separate Territorial Defense Brigade, was at a position when an enemy strike hit a group of Ukrainian soldiers. He went to help and provided first aid to a wounded fighter with the call sign "Amati," who was then able to hide from enemy drones and wait for an evacuation window. Perekhrest himself was also wounded during these actions, but the next morning he returned to his comrade to bring him water. The evacuation route, covering over 10 kilometers, took two days; ultimately, all four soldiers — "Amati," two other wounded fighters, and Perekhrest himself — survived.
Who is Viktor Perekhrest
Viktor became known to the general public back in 2014 when he reached the final of the fourth season of "MasterChef," and later returned to the project for the "Battle of the Seasons." After the start of the full-scale invasion, on the morning of February 24, 2022, he joined the Kyiv Territorial Defense, having no prior military experience. Initially, he served as a paramedic, then, upon completing his contract with the territorial defense, he transferred to an AFU unit, where he applied his culinary skills, and in May 2022, he went to the Zaporizhzhia direction. In 2024, it was reported that Perekhrest was serving in the 70th Separate Territorial Defense Battalion; today, according to the Territorial Defense Forces, he is a soldier in the 101st Separate Brigade.
Fundraising and colleague support
The "MasterChef" team emphasized that they remember Viktor as a contestant distinguished by his character, persistence, and love for cooking, and that he has become part of the project's "big family." In the publication, the organizers called on those who care to join the fundraiser and spread information about the soldier so that help can reach him. "Viktor once conquered the 'MasterChef' kitchen, impressing everyone with his character, persistence, and love for cooking. He became part of the big family of our project, and today we want to be by his side during this difficult period of his life," the statement read. In closing, the project representatives added: "Viktor, we are with you! We wish you strength, endurance, and a speedy recovery."
Context
Perekhrest's story is part of a broader picture of public figures and bloggers participating in combat. It was previously reported that video blogger Kyryusha Akuratny, a representative of the early wave of Ukrainian bloggers, died tragically at the front. Viktor Perekhrest's case, by contrast, demonstrates an example of survival and mutual assistance: despite his own injury, he did not abandon his comrades and ensured their evacuation, and now he needs long-term treatment, for which the show's team and viewers are raising funds.
