Mikhail Gorbachev, the father of perestroika, died Tuesday at the age of 91 at the Moscow Central Clinical Hospital after "a long and difficult illness." The last president of the Soviet Union had been living away from the media spotlight for years due to health problems.
Shortly after the confirmation of the death of the last leader of the Soviet Union, the first institutional reactions arrived. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted Mikhail Gorbachev's legacy of opening "the path to a free Europe."
"Mikhail Gorbachev was a trusted and respected leader. He played a crucial role in ending the Cold War and bringing down the Iron Curtain. He paved the way for a free Europe," Von der Layen stressed on his official Twitter account.
The head of the Community Executive assured that it is "a legacy that we will not forget". The German politician concluded her farewell message with a "R.I.P Mikhail Gorbachev".
The UN Secretary General, António Guterres, joined in the condolences and said he felt "deeply saddened" upon learning of the death of Mikhail Gorbachev, whom he defined as "a unique man who changed the course of history."
"He did more than any other individual to bring a peaceful end to the Cold War," Guterres recalled, before expressing his condolences to his family and "to the people and Government of the Russian Federation." His motto that peace is unity in diversity "he put into practice always following the path of negotiation, reform, transparency and disarmament," recalled Guterres, who also underlined Gorbachev's commitment in his last years to environmental cause. "The world has lost an imposing global leader, a convinced multilateralist and a tireless advocate for peace," he concluded.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson highlighted on Tuesday the "courage" and "integrity" of the last president of the USSR. The conservative leader said he was saddened to hear of his death, especially "at a time of (Vladimir) Putin's aggression in Ukraine."
"I have always admired the courage and integrity he showed in bringing the Cold War to a peaceful conclusion. At a time of (Russian President) Putin's aggression in Ukraine, his tireless commitment to opening up Soviet society remains an example to all of us." ", highlighted the head of the British Government.
On the other hand, Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his "deep sorrow" over Gorbachev's death, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov.
"Putin expresses his deep sorrow over the death of Gorbachev, in the morning he will send a telegram of condolences to his relatives and friends," Peskov was quoted as saying by the Interfax agency.
According to the first information, Gorbachev will be buried in the Novodevichy cemetery in Moscow, where the remains of prominent figures in the history of this country lie, as well as the tomb of his wife, Raísa.
