Russian journalist auctions Nobel Peace medal for Ukraine humanitarian aid, gets $103 million

A Russian journalist who auctioned his Nobel Peace medal to raise money for humanitarian aid in war-torn Ukraine has received $103.5 million for the prestigious award.

Dmitry Muratov, the editor of a Russian independent newspaper, was the joint recipient of the 2021 prize for "efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace."

Russian in late February invaded neighboring Ukraine, purportedly because the country was trying to closer align itself with Western nations. 

All proceeds from the sale will go towards UNICEF’s humanitarian aid for Ukrainian children. The auction was held by Heritage Auctions in New York in honor of World Refugee day on Monday.

"Mr. Muratov, with the full support of his staff at Novaya Gazeta, is allowing us to auction his medal not as a collectible but as an event that he hopes will positively impact the lives of millions of Ukrainian refugees," Heritage Auctions said in a statement. 

His paper, Novaya Gazeta, has suspended operations in Russia after warnings about their coverage from Russia’s media regulatory agency. Prior to the warning, the paper published editions in both Russian and Ukrainian in solidarity.