Prokhorov Offers to Finance Aurora

By The Moscow Times

Dec. 7, 2009

Billionaire Mikhail Prokhorov has offered to finance the upkeep of the legendary cruiser Aurora.

Prokhorov sent a letter to Navy head Vladimir Vysotsky and St. Petersburg Governor Valentina Matviyenko offering to finance the upkeep of the Aurora, Russky Pioner reported Friday.

The Aurora is famous for firing the opening blast of the 1917 revolution and is now moored in the Neva River, in St. Petersburg. A scandal developed around the ship in June, however, when a party was thrown celebrating the anniversary of Russky Pioner, a publication owned by Prokhorov.

“I see a danger that the cruiser Aurora, which has recently become a place for holding events and celebrations and shooting films, could turn into an entertainment center,” Prokhorov wrote in the letter. He said his charity could better care for the ship than the Navy, which is currently responsible for it.

… we have a small favor to ask.

As you may have heard, The Moscow Times, an independent news source for over 30 years, has been unjustly branded as a "foreign agent" by the Russian government. This blatant attempt to silence our voice is a direct assault on the integrity of journalism and the values we hold dear.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. Our commitment to providing accurate and unbiased reporting on Russia remains unshaken. But we need your help to continue our critical mission.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just 2. It's quick to set up, and you can be confident that you're making a significant impact every month by supporting open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Continue