Photo/Illutration Fuminori Tsuchiko, who has been providing free meals in Ukraine, shakes hands with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. (Captured from the website of the Presidential Office of Ukraine)

BERLIN--Elderly Japanese volunteer Fuminori Tsuchiko, who has been providing free meals to Ukrainians following Russia’s invasion, received an award for his humanitarian efforts on Aug. 23.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented the National Legend of Ukraine award to people who have made a significant contribution to the development of the country’s health care, education and other fields.

Eight people received the award this year.

Tsuchiko arrived in Ukraine in March last year following Russia’s invasion and started volunteering, according to an announcement by the Ukrainian Presidential Office and the website of the cafe he opened.

From May of that year, he lived with evacuees in a metro station in the northeastern city of Kharkiv and continued his support.

After raising funds through social media by sharing the plight of Ukrainian residents, he opened the FuMi Cafe in Kharkiv in April this year. He said he has been providing 1,000 free meals every day.

At the awards ceremony, Zelenskyy said the award is a token of gratitude for the selfless work of people for his country's benefit.

A photo of Tsuchiko shaking hands with Zelenskyy was posted on the Presidential Office’s website.

Other recipients include a Ukrainian military commander who was killed in a battle for Ukraine and a doctor who saved soldiers’ lives via complex surgeries.

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