Russian journalist sells Nobel Prize for Ukrainian Children

That question could be answered in part on Monday evening, when Russian journalist Dmitry Muratov auctions his Nobel Peace Prize medal. Revenues will go directly U n NICEFs in efforts to help children displaced from the war in Ukraine.

Appreciated with gold in October 2021, Dmitry Muratov helped establish the independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta and was editor-in-chief when the paper closed in March amid the oppression of Kremlin against journalists and public disagreement in the continuation of Russian aggression against Ukraine.

It was Muratov's idea to auction his prize, as he had already announced he would donate the accompanying $500,000 award for charity. The idea of donation, he said, “is to give refugee children a chance for a future”.

In an interview for the Associated Press agency, Mr. Muratov said he was particularly concerned about children who were orphaned because of the conflict in Ukraine.

“We want to return their future,” he said.

He added it is important that international sanctions imposed against Russia do not prevent humanitarian aid, such as medicines for rare diseases and bone marrow transplants, from reaching those in need.

The “should be set as an example to be followed so that people can auction their valuable assets to help Ukrainians,” said Mr. Muratov in a video published by the Heritage Actions company, which is dealing with the sale but does not receive any share of the revenue.

Dmitry Muratov shared the Nobel Peace Prize last year with journalist Maria Ressa from the Philippines.

Honored for Perseverance

The two journalists were honoured for their battles to preserve freedom of speech in their respective countries, despite attacks by their governments and even death threats.

Dmitry Muratov has been highly critical of Russia's crime annexation in 2014 and the war launched in February that has caused nearly 5 million Ukrainians to move to other countries for security, creating the largest humanitarian crisis in Europe since World War II.

Independent journalists in Russia are under surveillance from the Kremlin. Since Putin's arrival to power more than two decades ago, nearly 22 journalists have been killed, including at least four who had worked for Mr. Muratov's newspaper.

In April, Dmitry Muratov said he was attacked with red paint while on a Russian train.

Mr. Muratov left Russia for Western Europe on Thursday to begin his trip to New York City, where the direct auction will begin Monday afternoon.

Online bids began on June 1st to coincide with International Children's Day. Monday's direct offer coincides with World Refugees Day.

Since Monday morning, the highest offer was $550,000. The purchase price is expected to increase, perhaps in millions. / VOA