Named after famous Russian author and humanist Leo Tolstoy, the prize is awarded by an international jury and looks to honor the achievements of people who engage in peacekeeping activities, oppose the arms race, promote multipolar world values and strive to avert the threat of World War III, Paralel.Az reports citing Sputnik.

The award ceremony was held at the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow on September 9.

This year, the Leo Tolstoy prize was awarded to the African Union in recognition of a significant contribution to strengthening peace and preventing the threat of a Third World War or nuclear catastrophe.

The award was presented by Valery Gergiev, world-famous conductor and chairman of the Leo Tolstoy International Peace Prize jury.

The award is being collected by the chairman of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat