Show only key events Please enable JavaScript to use this feature The Reagan Foundation and Institute said it “mourns the loss of former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, a man who was once a political opponent of Ronald Reagan who became a friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Gorbachev family and the people of Russia.” Updated at 00.06 BST The Guardian’s former Moscow correspondent recalled in 2011 how he learned about the 1991 coup against Gorbachev. Sky News’ Mark Stone tweeted this shocking image of Gorbachev with Ronald Reagan. Here is an image that harkens back to a time when the US/Russia relationship was easier… the unlikely relationship between capitalist and communist. two men who led two nations away from the brink and through the Cold War. How things have changed. #gorbachev pic.twitter.com/YSoLpV19Eb — Mark Stone (@Stone_SkyNews) August 30, 2022 Updated at 11.45pm BST Jonathan Eyal, of the Royal United Services Institute think-tank, said: He [Gorbachev] he did not believe that the Soviet Union was actually an empire in its own right of non-aligned nations. Like all Soviet leaders, and I dare say like Russian leaders today, he saw the Soviet Union as synonymous with Russia and simply could not understand why nations wanted to be independent. Updated at 23.43 BST
“He initiated historical transformations for the benefit of humanity” – Henry Kissinger
Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger said Gorbachev “delivered great services” but “was not able to implement all his visions”. He told the BBC’s Newsnight: The people of Eastern Europe and the German people, and finally the Russian people, owe him a great debt of gratitude for the inspiration, for the courage to present these ideas of freedom. Kissinger, after again admitting that Gorbachev was unable to implement his full vision, added: He will still be remembered in history as a man who initiated historical transformations that benefited humanity and the Russian people. Updated at 23.33 BST
“A unique politician who changed the course of history” – Antonio Guterres
Antonio Guterres, the secretary-general of the United Nations, has described Gorbachev as a “tall leader”. Mikhail Gorbachev was a unique politician who changed the course of history. The world has lost a towering world leader, committed multilateralist and tireless champion of peace. I am deeply saddened by his passing. pic.twitter.com/giu2RHSjrQ — António Guterres (@antonioguterres) August 30, 2022 Updated at 23.31 BST Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labor Party in England, said Mikhail Gorbachev was “one of the great figures” of the last century who “will forever be remembered”. One of the great figures of the 20th century, Mikhail Gorbachev’s pursuit of reform paved the way for conflict diplomacy. He will forever be remembered as the last leader of the Soviet Union who had the courage and conviction to end the Cold War. — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) August 30, 2022 Updated at 23.56 BST Peter Baker, from the New York Times, shared this tribute. James Baker, who negotiated German reunification and the end of the Cold War with Gorbachev, says: “History will remember Mikhail Gorbachev as a giant who led his great nation to democracy.” — Peter Baker (@peterbakernyt) August 30, 2022 His first public remarks about the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster were broadcast on Russian television on May 14, 1986, 18 days after the explosion. This is yet another bell ringing, and yet another dire warning, that in the nuclear age what is needed is new political thinking and new policies. Updated 23.13 BST Some notable quotes from Mikhail Gorbachev. On meeting his wife Raisa (from a 2013 American Vogue interview): One day we took each other’s hand and went for a walk in the evening. And we walked like that for our whole life. Updated 23.21 BST Arnold Schwarzenegger, the actor and former governor of California, tweeted this tribute and his photo with Gorbachev. There’s an old saying, “Never meet your heroes.” I think it’s some of the worst advice I’ve ever heard. Mikhail Gorbachev was one of my heroes and it was an honor and a pleasure to meet him. I was incredibly lucky to call him a friend. We can all learn from his fantastic life. pic.twitter.com/All5suSke1 — Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) August 30, 2022 In a 2011 interview with the Guardian, Gorbachev was asked to name the things he regretted most. Answered: The fact that I went too far in trying to reform the Communist Party. He should have resigned in April 1991, he said, and formed a democratic reform party since the communists were putting the brakes on all the necessary changes. His second regret, he said, is that he did not start reforming the Soviet Union and giving more power to its 15 republics at an earlier stage. Updated 23.01 BST
“Without him, it would not have been possible to end the cold war peacefully” – Condoleezza Rice
Condoleezza Rice, former US Secretary of State, posted a tribute on Twitter. I am saddened to hear of the death of Mikhail Gorbachev. He was a man who tried to provide a better life for his people. His life was consequential because, without him and his courage, it would not have been possible to end the Cold War peacefully. — Condoleezza Rice (@CondoleezzaRice) August 30, 2022 Updated 23.21 BST Gorbachev was fondly remembered in the West, where he was affectionately nicknamed Gorby and was best known for defusing US-Soviet nuclear tensions in the 1980s, as well as bringing Eastern Europe behind the Iron Curtain . He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990 for negotiating a historic nuclear arms deal with US President Ronald Reagan, and his decision to contain the Soviet military when the Berlin Wall fell a year earlier was seen as key to keeping the Cold War peace , reports AFP. . He was also advocated in the West for spearheading reforms to achieve transparency and greater public debate that hastened the dissolution of the Soviet empire. Updated at 22.51 BST
Boris Johnson ‘admired Gorbachev’s courage and integrity’
Outgoing UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was “saddened” to hear that Mikhail Gorbachev had died, at a “time of Putin’s aggression in Ukraine”. I am saddened to hear of Gorbachev’s death. I have always admired the courage and integrity he displayed in bringing the Cold War to a peaceful conclusion. In a time of Putin’s aggression in Ukraine, his tireless commitment to opening up Soviet society remains an example to us all. — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) August 30, 2022 Updated 23.21 BST Putin’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, said this morning that the Russian president would send a telegram of condolences to the politician’s relatives and friends. Updated at 22.51 BST
“A reliable and respected leader” – Ursula von der Leyen
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, paid tribute on Twitter. Mikhail Gorbachev was a trusted and respected leader. He was instrumental in ending the Cold War and bringing down the Iron Curtain. It paved the way for a free Europe. This legacy we will not forget. RIP Mikhail Gorbachev — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) August 30, 2022 Updated at 23.20 BST Broadcaster and author John Simpson said he was “genuinely saddened” by the death of “dignified” and “well-meaning” former Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev. In a post on Twitter, Simpson, who interviewed Gorbachev, wrote: “Really sad that Mikhail Gorbachev has died: a decent, well-meaning, principled man who tried to save the weak.” He added: “In private he was charming and surprisingly entertaining. It wasn’t his fault things went so wrong.”
Vladimir Putin offers his condolences – Kremlin spokesman
Russian President Vladimir Putin expresses his deepest condolences on the death of Mikhail Gorbachev, a Kremlin spokesman told the Interfax news agency. Mikhail Gorbachev and Vladimir Putin during a press conference in Germany in 2004. Photo: Christian Charisius/Reuters Updated 23.19 BST
title: “Tributes Flood In As Former Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev Dies Mikhail Gorbachev Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-11-24” author: “Mary Smith”
Show only key events Please enable JavaScript to use this feature The Reagan Foundation and Institute said it “mourns the loss of former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, a man who was once a political opponent of Ronald Reagan who became a friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Gorbachev family and the people of Russia.” Updated at 00.06 BST The Guardian’s former Moscow correspondent recalled in 2011 how he learned about the 1991 coup against Gorbachev. Sky News’ Mark Stone tweeted this shocking image of Gorbachev with Ronald Reagan. Here is an image that harkens back to a time when the US/Russia relationship was easier… the unlikely relationship between capitalist and communist. two men who led two nations away from the brink and through the Cold War. How things have changed. #gorbachev pic.twitter.com/YSoLpV19Eb — Mark Stone (@Stone_SkyNews) August 30, 2022 Updated at 11.45pm BST Jonathan Eyal, of the Royal United Services Institute think-tank, said: He [Gorbachev] he did not believe that the Soviet Union was actually an empire in its own right of non-aligned nations. Like all Soviet leaders, and I dare say like Russian leaders today, he saw the Soviet Union as synonymous with Russia and simply could not understand why nations wanted to be independent. Updated at 23.43 BST
“He initiated historical transformations for the benefit of humanity” – Henry Kissinger
Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger said Gorbachev “delivered great services” but “was not able to implement all his visions”. He told the BBC’s Newsnight: The people of Eastern Europe and the German people, and finally the Russian people, owe him a great debt of gratitude for the inspiration, for the courage to present these ideas of freedom. Kissinger, after again admitting that Gorbachev was unable to implement his full vision, added: He will still be remembered in history as a man who initiated historical transformations that benefited humanity and the Russian people. Updated at 23.33 BST
“A unique politician who changed the course of history” – Antonio Guterres
Antonio Guterres, the secretary-general of the United Nations, has described Gorbachev as a “tall leader”. Mikhail Gorbachev was a unique politician who changed the course of history. The world has lost a towering world leader, committed multilateralist and tireless champion of peace. I am deeply saddened by his passing. pic.twitter.com/giu2RHSjrQ — António Guterres (@antonioguterres) August 30, 2022 Updated at 23.31 BST Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labor Party in England, said Mikhail Gorbachev was “one of the great figures” of the last century who “will forever be remembered”. One of the great figures of the 20th century, Mikhail Gorbachev’s pursuit of reform paved the way for conflict diplomacy. He will forever be remembered as the last leader of the Soviet Union who had the courage and conviction to end the Cold War. — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) August 30, 2022 Updated at 23.56 BST Peter Baker, from the New York Times, shared this tribute. James Baker, who negotiated German reunification and the end of the Cold War with Gorbachev, says: “History will remember Mikhail Gorbachev as a giant who led his great nation to democracy.” — Peter Baker (@peterbakernyt) August 30, 2022 His first public remarks about the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster were broadcast on Russian television on May 14, 1986, 18 days after the explosion. This is yet another bell ringing, and yet another dire warning, that in the nuclear age what is needed is new political thinking and new policies. Updated 23.13 BST Some notable quotes from Mikhail Gorbachev. On meeting his wife Raisa (from a 2013 American Vogue interview): One day we took each other’s hand and went for a walk in the evening. And we walked like that for our whole life. Updated 23.21 BST Arnold Schwarzenegger, the actor and former governor of California, tweeted this tribute and his photo with Gorbachev. There’s an old saying, “Never meet your heroes.” I think it’s some of the worst advice I’ve ever heard. Mikhail Gorbachev was one of my heroes and it was an honor and a pleasure to meet him. I was incredibly lucky to call him a friend. We can all learn from his fantastic life. pic.twitter.com/All5suSke1 — Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) August 30, 2022 In a 2011 interview with the Guardian, Gorbachev was asked to name the things he regretted most. Answered: The fact that I went too far in trying to reform the Communist Party. He should have resigned in April 1991, he said, and formed a democratic reform party since the communists were putting the brakes on all the necessary changes. His second regret, he said, is that he did not start reforming the Soviet Union and giving more power to its 15 republics at an earlier stage. Updated 23.01 BST
“Without him, it would not have been possible to end the cold war peacefully” – Condoleezza Rice
Condoleezza Rice, former US Secretary of State, posted a tribute on Twitter. I am saddened to hear of the death of Mikhail Gorbachev. He was a man who tried to provide a better life for his people. His life was consequential because, without him and his courage, it would not have been possible to end the Cold War peacefully. — Condoleezza Rice (@CondoleezzaRice) August 30, 2022 Updated 23.21 BST Gorbachev was fondly remembered in the West, where he was affectionately nicknamed Gorby and was best known for defusing US-Soviet nuclear tensions in the 1980s, as well as bringing Eastern Europe behind the Iron Curtain . He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990 for negotiating a historic nuclear arms deal with US President Ronald Reagan, and his decision to contain the Soviet military when the Berlin Wall fell a year earlier was seen as key to keeping the Cold War peace , reports AFP. . He was also advocated in the West for spearheading reforms to achieve transparency and greater public debate that hastened the dissolution of the Soviet empire. Updated at 22.51 BST
Boris Johnson ‘admired Gorbachev’s courage and integrity’
Outgoing UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was “saddened” to hear that Mikhail Gorbachev had died, at a “time of Putin’s aggression in Ukraine”. I am saddened to hear of Gorbachev’s death. I have always admired the courage and integrity he displayed in bringing the Cold War to a peaceful conclusion. In a time of Putin’s aggression in Ukraine, his tireless commitment to opening up Soviet society remains an example to us all. — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) August 30, 2022 Updated 23.21 BST Putin’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, said this morning that the Russian president would send a telegram of condolences to the politician’s relatives and friends. Updated at 22.51 BST
“A reliable and respected leader” – Ursula von der Leyen
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, paid tribute on Twitter. Mikhail Gorbachev was a trusted and respected leader. He was instrumental in ending the Cold War and bringing down the Iron Curtain. It paved the way for a free Europe. This legacy we will not forget. RIP Mikhail Gorbachev — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) August 30, 2022 Updated at 23.20 BST Broadcaster and author John Simpson said he was “genuinely saddened” by the death of “dignified” and “well-meaning” former Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev. In a post on Twitter, Simpson, who interviewed Gorbachev, wrote: “Really sad that Mikhail Gorbachev has died: a decent, well-meaning, principled man who tried to save the weak.” He added: “In private he was charming and surprisingly entertaining. It wasn’t his fault things went so wrong.”
Vladimir Putin offers his condolences – Kremlin spokesman
Russian President Vladimir Putin expresses his deepest condolences on the death of Mikhail Gorbachev, a Kremlin spokesman told the Interfax news agency. Mikhail Gorbachev and Vladimir Putin during a press conference in Germany in 2004. Photo: Christian Charisius/Reuters Updated 23.19 BST
title: “Tributes Flood In As Former Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev Dies Mikhail Gorbachev Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-01” author: “Nellie Smith”
Show only key events Please enable JavaScript to use this feature The Reagan Foundation and Institute said it “mourns the loss of former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, a man who was once a political opponent of Ronald Reagan who became a friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Gorbachev family and the people of Russia.” Updated at 00.06 BST The Guardian’s former Moscow correspondent recalled in 2011 how he learned about the 1991 coup against Gorbachev. Sky News’ Mark Stone tweeted this shocking image of Gorbachev with Ronald Reagan. Here is an image that harkens back to a time when the US/Russia relationship was easier… the unlikely relationship between capitalist and communist. two men who led two nations away from the brink and through the Cold War. How things have changed. #gorbachev pic.twitter.com/YSoLpV19Eb — Mark Stone (@Stone_SkyNews) August 30, 2022 Updated at 11.45pm BST Jonathan Eyal, of the Royal United Services Institute think-tank, said: He [Gorbachev] he did not believe that the Soviet Union was actually an empire in its own right of non-aligned nations. Like all Soviet leaders, and I dare say like Russian leaders today, he saw the Soviet Union as synonymous with Russia and simply could not understand why nations wanted to be independent. Updated at 23.43 BST
“He initiated historical transformations for the benefit of humanity” – Henry Kissinger
Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger said Gorbachev “delivered great services” but “was not able to implement all his visions”. He told the BBC’s Newsnight: The people of Eastern Europe and the German people, and finally the Russian people, owe him a great debt of gratitude for the inspiration, for the courage to present these ideas of freedom. Kissinger, after again admitting that Gorbachev was unable to implement his full vision, added: He will still be remembered in history as a man who initiated historical transformations that benefited humanity and the Russian people. Updated at 23.33 BST
“A unique politician who changed the course of history” – Antonio Guterres
Antonio Guterres, the secretary-general of the United Nations, has described Gorbachev as a “tall leader”. Mikhail Gorbachev was a unique politician who changed the course of history. The world has lost a towering world leader, committed multilateralist and tireless champion of peace. I am deeply saddened by his passing. pic.twitter.com/giu2RHSjrQ — António Guterres (@antonioguterres) August 30, 2022 Updated at 23.31 BST Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labor Party in England, said Mikhail Gorbachev was “one of the great figures” of the last century who “will forever be remembered”. One of the great figures of the 20th century, Mikhail Gorbachev’s pursuit of reform paved the way for conflict diplomacy. He will forever be remembered as the last leader of the Soviet Union who had the courage and conviction to end the Cold War. — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) August 30, 2022 Updated at 23.56 BST Peter Baker, from the New York Times, shared this tribute. James Baker, who negotiated German reunification and the end of the Cold War with Gorbachev, says: “History will remember Mikhail Gorbachev as a giant who led his great nation to democracy.” — Peter Baker (@peterbakernyt) August 30, 2022 His first public remarks about the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster were broadcast on Russian television on May 14, 1986, 18 days after the explosion. This is yet another bell ringing, and yet another dire warning, that in the nuclear age what is needed is new political thinking and new policies. Updated 23.13 BST Some notable quotes from Mikhail Gorbachev. On meeting his wife Raisa (from a 2013 American Vogue interview): One day we took each other’s hand and went for a walk in the evening. And we walked like that for our whole life. Updated 23.21 BST Arnold Schwarzenegger, the actor and former governor of California, tweeted this tribute and his photo with Gorbachev. There’s an old saying, “Never meet your heroes.” I think it’s some of the worst advice I’ve ever heard. Mikhail Gorbachev was one of my heroes and it was an honor and a pleasure to meet him. I was incredibly lucky to call him a friend. We can all learn from his fantastic life. pic.twitter.com/All5suSke1 — Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) August 30, 2022 In a 2011 interview with the Guardian, Gorbachev was asked to name the things he regretted most. Answered: The fact that I went too far in trying to reform the Communist Party. He should have resigned in April 1991, he said, and formed a democratic reform party since the communists were putting the brakes on all the necessary changes. His second regret, he said, is that he did not start reforming the Soviet Union and giving more power to its 15 republics at an earlier stage. Updated 23.01 BST
“Without him, it would not have been possible to end the cold war peacefully” – Condoleezza Rice
Condoleezza Rice, former US Secretary of State, posted a tribute on Twitter. I am saddened to hear of the death of Mikhail Gorbachev. He was a man who tried to provide a better life for his people. His life was consequential because, without him and his courage, it would not have been possible to end the Cold War peacefully. — Condoleezza Rice (@CondoleezzaRice) August 30, 2022 Updated 23.21 BST Gorbachev was fondly remembered in the West, where he was affectionately nicknamed Gorby and was best known for defusing US-Soviet nuclear tensions in the 1980s, as well as bringing Eastern Europe behind the Iron Curtain . He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990 for negotiating a historic nuclear arms deal with US President Ronald Reagan, and his decision to contain the Soviet military when the Berlin Wall fell a year earlier was seen as key to keeping the Cold War peace , reports AFP. . He was also advocated in the West for spearheading reforms to achieve transparency and greater public debate that hastened the dissolution of the Soviet empire. Updated at 22.51 BST
Boris Johnson ‘admired Gorbachev’s courage and integrity’
Outgoing UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was “saddened” to hear that Mikhail Gorbachev had died, at a “time of Putin’s aggression in Ukraine”. I am saddened to hear of Gorbachev’s death. I have always admired the courage and integrity he displayed in bringing the Cold War to a peaceful conclusion. In a time of Putin’s aggression in Ukraine, his tireless commitment to opening up Soviet society remains an example to us all. — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) August 30, 2022 Updated 23.21 BST Putin’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, said this morning that the Russian president would send a telegram of condolences to the politician’s relatives and friends. Updated at 22.51 BST
“A reliable and respected leader” – Ursula von der Leyen
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, paid tribute on Twitter. Mikhail Gorbachev was a trusted and respected leader. He was instrumental in ending the Cold War and bringing down the Iron Curtain. It paved the way for a free Europe. This legacy we will not forget. RIP Mikhail Gorbachev — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) August 30, 2022 Updated at 23.20 BST Broadcaster and author John Simpson said he was “genuinely saddened” by the death of “dignified” and “well-meaning” former Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev. In a post on Twitter, Simpson, who interviewed Gorbachev, wrote: “Really sad that Mikhail Gorbachev has died: a decent, well-meaning, principled man who tried to save the weak.” He added: “In private he was charming and surprisingly entertaining. It wasn’t his fault things went so wrong.”
Vladimir Putin offers his condolences – Kremlin spokesman
Russian President Vladimir Putin expresses his deepest condolences on the death of Mikhail Gorbachev, a Kremlin spokesman told the Interfax news agency. Mikhail Gorbachev and Vladimir Putin during a press conference in Germany in 2004. Photo: Christian Charisius/Reuters Updated 23.19 BST
title: “Tributes Flood In As Former Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev Dies Mikhail Gorbachev Klmat” ShowToc: true date: “2022-12-02” author: “Howard Swann”
Show only key events Please enable JavaScript to use this feature The Reagan Foundation and Institute said it “mourns the loss of former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, a man who was once a political opponent of Ronald Reagan who became a friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Gorbachev family and the people of Russia.” Updated at 00.06 BST The Guardian’s former Moscow correspondent recalled in 2011 how he learned about the 1991 coup against Gorbachev. Sky News’ Mark Stone tweeted this shocking image of Gorbachev with Ronald Reagan. Here is an image that harkens back to a time when the US/Russia relationship was easier… the unlikely relationship between capitalist and communist. two men who led two nations away from the brink and through the Cold War. How things have changed. #gorbachev pic.twitter.com/YSoLpV19Eb — Mark Stone (@Stone_SkyNews) August 30, 2022 Updated at 11.45pm BST Jonathan Eyal, of the Royal United Services Institute think-tank, said: He [Gorbachev] he did not believe that the Soviet Union was actually an empire in its own right of non-aligned nations. Like all Soviet leaders, and I dare say like Russian leaders today, he saw the Soviet Union as synonymous with Russia and simply could not understand why nations wanted to be independent. Updated at 23.43 BST
“He initiated historical transformations for the benefit of humanity” – Henry Kissinger
Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger said Gorbachev “delivered great services” but “was not able to implement all his visions”. He told the BBC’s Newsnight: The people of Eastern Europe and the German people, and finally the Russian people, owe him a great debt of gratitude for the inspiration, for the courage to present these ideas of freedom. Kissinger, after again admitting that Gorbachev was unable to implement his full vision, added: He will still be remembered in history as a man who initiated historical transformations that benefited humanity and the Russian people. Updated at 23.33 BST
“A unique politician who changed the course of history” – Antonio Guterres
Antonio Guterres, the secretary-general of the United Nations, has described Gorbachev as a “tall leader”. Mikhail Gorbachev was a unique politician who changed the course of history. The world has lost a towering world leader, committed multilateralist and tireless champion of peace. I am deeply saddened by his passing. pic.twitter.com/giu2RHSjrQ — António Guterres (@antonioguterres) August 30, 2022 Updated at 23.31 BST Sir Keir Starmer, leader of the Labor Party in England, said Mikhail Gorbachev was “one of the great figures” of the last century who “will forever be remembered”. One of the great figures of the 20th century, Mikhail Gorbachev’s pursuit of reform paved the way for conflict diplomacy. He will forever be remembered as the last leader of the Soviet Union who had the courage and conviction to end the Cold War. — Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) August 30, 2022 Updated at 23.56 BST Peter Baker, from the New York Times, shared this tribute. James Baker, who negotiated German reunification and the end of the Cold War with Gorbachev, says: “History will remember Mikhail Gorbachev as a giant who led his great nation to democracy.” — Peter Baker (@peterbakernyt) August 30, 2022 His first public remarks about the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster were broadcast on Russian television on May 14, 1986, 18 days after the explosion. This is yet another bell ringing, and yet another dire warning, that in the nuclear age what is needed is new political thinking and new policies. Updated 23.13 BST Some notable quotes from Mikhail Gorbachev. On meeting his wife Raisa (from a 2013 American Vogue interview): One day we took each other’s hand and went for a walk in the evening. And we walked like that for our whole life. Updated 23.21 BST Arnold Schwarzenegger, the actor and former governor of California, tweeted this tribute and his photo with Gorbachev. There’s an old saying, “Never meet your heroes.” I think it’s some of the worst advice I’ve ever heard. Mikhail Gorbachev was one of my heroes and it was an honor and a pleasure to meet him. I was incredibly lucky to call him a friend. We can all learn from his fantastic life. pic.twitter.com/All5suSke1 — Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) August 30, 2022 In a 2011 interview with the Guardian, Gorbachev was asked to name the things he regretted most. Answered: The fact that I went too far in trying to reform the Communist Party. He should have resigned in April 1991, he said, and formed a democratic reform party since the communists were putting the brakes on all the necessary changes. His second regret, he said, is that he did not start reforming the Soviet Union and giving more power to its 15 republics at an earlier stage. Updated 23.01 BST
“Without him, it would not have been possible to end the cold war peacefully” – Condoleezza Rice
Condoleezza Rice, former US Secretary of State, posted a tribute on Twitter. I am saddened to hear of the death of Mikhail Gorbachev. He was a man who tried to provide a better life for his people. His life was consequential because, without him and his courage, it would not have been possible to end the Cold War peacefully. — Condoleezza Rice (@CondoleezzaRice) August 30, 2022 Updated 23.21 BST Gorbachev was fondly remembered in the West, where he was affectionately nicknamed Gorby and was best known for defusing US-Soviet nuclear tensions in the 1980s, as well as bringing Eastern Europe behind the Iron Curtain . He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1990 for negotiating a historic nuclear arms deal with US President Ronald Reagan, and his decision to contain the Soviet military when the Berlin Wall fell a year earlier was seen as key to keeping the Cold War peace , reports AFP. . He was also advocated in the West for spearheading reforms to achieve transparency and greater public debate that hastened the dissolution of the Soviet empire. Updated at 22.51 BST
Boris Johnson ‘admired Gorbachev’s courage and integrity’
Outgoing UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was “saddened” to hear that Mikhail Gorbachev had died, at a “time of Putin’s aggression in Ukraine”. I am saddened to hear of Gorbachev’s death. I have always admired the courage and integrity he displayed in bringing the Cold War to a peaceful conclusion. In a time of Putin’s aggression in Ukraine, his tireless commitment to opening up Soviet society remains an example to us all. — Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) August 30, 2022 Updated 23.21 BST Putin’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, said this morning that the Russian president would send a telegram of condolences to the politician’s relatives and friends. Updated at 22.51 BST
“A reliable and respected leader” – Ursula von der Leyen
Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, paid tribute on Twitter. Mikhail Gorbachev was a trusted and respected leader. He was instrumental in ending the Cold War and bringing down the Iron Curtain. It paved the way for a free Europe. This legacy we will not forget. RIP Mikhail Gorbachev — Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) August 30, 2022 Updated at 23.20 BST Broadcaster and author John Simpson said he was “genuinely saddened” by the death of “dignified” and “well-meaning” former Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev. In a post on Twitter, Simpson, who interviewed Gorbachev, wrote: “Really sad that Mikhail Gorbachev has died: a decent, well-meaning, principled man who tried to save the weak.” He added: “In private he was charming and surprisingly entertaining. It wasn’t his fault things went so wrong.”
Vladimir Putin offers his condolences – Kremlin spokesman
Russian President Vladimir Putin expresses his deepest condolences on the death of Mikhail Gorbachev, a Kremlin spokesman told the Interfax news agency. Mikhail Gorbachev and Vladimir Putin during a press conference in Germany in 2004. Photo: Christian Charisius/Reuters Updated 23.19 BST
