Mikhail Gorbachev, who died after a “long and serious illness”, was the last leader still alive from the time of the Cold Wara period that currently seems to have special resonance with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s offensive in Ukraine, launched on February 24.
Although Gorbachev did not speak publicly about the Russian military action in Ukraine, his foundation called for “a cessation of hostilities and the immediate start of peace negotiations“.
In a message of condolence, Putin stressed that he had “a great impact on the history of the world.” “He led our country through a period of complex and dramatic change and great foreign policy, economic and social challenges,” he noted. “Deeply understood that reforms are necessary“.
The tribute of the West
The Russian president’s words came after the many tributes from the leaders of the West, much more emotional towards the one who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990 for having contributed so much in reducing the confrontation between East and West.
the president of USA, Joe Bidencalled him an “exceptional leader” who contributed to “a safer world” and for the UN Secretary General, Antonio GuterresMikhail Gorbachev “did more than any other individual to bring about a peaceful end to the Cold War.”
the president of France, Emmanuel Macronstressed that he was a “man of peace”, and the prime minister of Italy, mario draghipraised his opposition to an “imperialist vision of Russia.”
The German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, thanked his “decisive contribution to German unity”. And for the former chancellor Angela Merkelwho grew up in the former East Germany, the former leader of the USSR it changed his life “in a fundamental way”.
Chinawhich the Kremlin now presents as its great political and economic partner, praised the “positive contribution” of the former Soviet leader in the rapprochement between Beijing and Moscow.
Moderation in Russia
In Russia, Gorbachev’s legacy remains controversial, and reactions to his death were much more muted.
Although he was the one who paved the way for freedom of expressionfor many he was responsible for the end of the Soviet superpower and the terrible years of economic crisis that followed.
However, the Russian journalist Dmitri Muratov, Nobel Peace Prize winner in 2021 and editor-in-chief of the independent daily Novaya Gazeta –supported since its creation by Gorbachev– paid homage to a leader who “despised war” and “valued a calm sky more than personal power.”
Source: Ambito
David William is a talented author who has made a name for himself in the world of writing. He is a professional author who writes on a wide range of topics, from general interest to opinion news. David is currently working as a writer at 24 hours worlds where he brings his unique perspective and in-depth research to his articles, making them both informative and engaging.
