Russia to give $1 million for Auschwitz preservation

Russia is to make a one-time donation of $1 million to help with the preservation of the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland where over 1.1 million people were murdered during World War II.

Polskie Radio reported that the Russian Federation Embassy in Warsaw explained in a statement that its government wished to preserve the memory of those who died there, and the soldiers who helped liberate them.

“The Russian Federation hopes that it will serve as a contribution to the preservation of the memory of Auschwitz-Birkenau victims and the perpetuation of the heroism of Russian soldiers who died in battles for the liberation of Europe from fascism,” the embassy said on Tuesday.

The money will go to a Perpetuity Fund set up by the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation in 2009 that aims to raise €120 million ($160 million) by 2015 for long-term maintenance and preservation of the camp, which comprises over 150 buildings and brick barracks as well as documents and artifacts.

According to Polskie Radio, 24 countries have so far contributed to the fund, for a total of €47 million. The US donated $15 million, Poland €10 million ($13 million), and Austria €6 million ($8 million). The largest contribution came from Germany, which donated €60 million ($80 million).