Putin mourns Gorbachev’s death; see repercussion

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Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his “deepest condolences” in response to the death of former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev on Tuesday at the age of 91. The information was given by Kremlin spokesman Dimtri Peskov to the Interfax news agency.

The relationship between the former Soviet leader and the current Russian president dates back to Putin’s first election, in 2000. Gorbachev considered the authoritarian measures he proposed necessary to put the house in order after the confusion that followed the end of the Soviet Union.

Support ceased, however, in 2006, when Gorbachev began to criticize Putin for his growing authoritarian tendencies. In the latest pro-democracy protests in Russia, the former Soviet leader called for the president’s removal, and even called him a dictator in the 2020 documentary “Gorbachev.Sky”.

Other heads of state and leading figures in world politics also mourned the leader’s death, underscoring his importance to the end of the Soviet Union. See below:

Boris Johnson, British Prime Minister

“The news of Gorbachev’s death saddens me. I have always admired the courage and integrity he displayed in guiding the Cold War to a peaceful conclusion. At a time like this, of Putin’s aggression towards Ukraine, his tireless commitment to open society Soviet Union remains an example for all of us.”

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Union

“Mikhail Gorbachev was a respected and trusted leader. His performance was crucial in ending the Cold War and bringing down the Iron Curtain. He paved the way for a free Europe. His legacy will not be forgotten.”

Arnold Schwarzenegger, actor and governor of California

“An old saying goes, ‘never meet your heroes’. I think that’s one of the worst pieces of advice I’ve ever heard. Mikhail Gorbachev was one of my heroes, and it was an honor and a joy to meet him. I was unbelievably lucky to call him a friend. We can all learn from his fantastic life.”

António Guterres, UN Secretary General

“I am deeply saddened by the death of Mikhail Gorbachev, a unique politician who changed the course of history. He did more than anyone else to bring the Cold War to a peaceful resolution. […] The world loses an imposing global leader, a committed multilateralist, and a tireless advocate for peace.”

James Baker III, US Secretary of State under George HW Bush

“History will remember Mikhail Gorbachev as a giant who led his huge nation towards democracy. He played a critical role in the peaceful conclusion of the Cold War by choosing not to use force to hold his empire together. miss you.”

Reagan Foundation and Institute

“The Reagan Foundation and Institute mourns the loss of former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, a man who was once an adversary of Ronald Reagan and who became his friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gorbachev’s family and the Russian people.”

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