Words by Smiley Team
A Russian journalist has sold his Nobel Peace Prize to raise money for Ukrainian children who have been affected by the war.
Dmitry Muratov, a Russian journalist who was awarded the Nobel Peace prize in 2021, alongside Maria Ressa of the Philippines, was awarded for this "efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace".
He has been outspoken throughout his career about his belief in the need for an independent press. When the war against Ukraine began, Dmitry published versions of his newspaper in both Russian and Ukrainian, and made an effort to make unbiased reports.
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Now, Dmitry is taking his support for the Ukrainian people to the next level, by auctioning off his Nobel Peace prize medal.
All of the money raised from the auction will go to UNICEF, to help them support the Ukrainian children who have been affected by the war, particularly those who have been orphaned or separated from their parents and guardians.
Before now, the most ever paid for a Nobel Prize medal was $4.76 million, around £3.91 million, when James Watson, the co-discoverer of the structure of DNA, sold off his medal.
Dmitry’s Nobel Prize medal was eventually sold for $103.5 million, around £85 million, surpassing James Watson’s amount by $98 million. Dmitry also announced that he would donate the prize money that comes with winning a Nobel Prize – $500,000 – to UNICEF as well.
Dmitry hopes that, thanks to these donations, he will be able to help the children of Ukraine have a better future.
DONATE: Donate to UNICEF to help support the children affected by the war in Ukraine.
VOLUNTEER: Fundraise for the International Rescue Committee to help support families and children displaced by the war in Ukraine.
SUPPORT: Donate to the Save the Children emergency fund to help them afford lifesaving provisions for the children affected by the Ukraine crisis.
