Messages of condolence sent by leaders and politicians from around the world on the death of the last leader of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachevyesterday, at the age of 91.

Condolences from Vladimir Putin

President of Russian Federation Vladimir Putin expresses “deepest condolences” on the death of Mikhail Gorbachev, a Kremlin spokesman said today.

“Vladimir Putin expresses his deepest condolences on the death of Mikhail Gorbachev. In the morning, he is going to send a telegram of condolences to the family and relatives of the former Soviet leader,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, according to the Russian TASS news agency.

Joe Biden: a rare leader who made the world a safer place

American President Joe Biden paid tribute to the last leader of the Soviet Union, calling him “a rare leader.”

“As leader of the USSR, he worked with President Reagan to reduce our two countries’ nuclear arsenals, much to the relief of people around the world who have been praying for an end to the nuclear arms race. After decades of brutal political repression, he introduced democratic reforms,” Biden said in a press release issued by his administration.

He added that these were the actions of a “rare leader” who had the imagination to see that another future was possible and the courage to risk his entire career to achieve it. “The result is a safer world and more freedom for millions of people,” Biden said.

The Reagan Foundation, for its part, said on Twitter that it was “paying for the loss” of a leader who “was once a political opponent of Ronald Reagan and eventually became his friend.”

The Reagan Foundation and Institute mourns the loss of former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, a man who was once a political opponent of Ronald Reagan and eventually became his friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Gorbachev family and the people of Russia. pic.twitter.com/j8EQ8JZqrq

— Reagan Foundation and Institute (@RonaldReagan) August 30, 2022

Ursula von der Leyen: She paved the way for a free Europe

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen paid tribute to Mikhail Gorbachev, singling out a politician “worthy of trust and respect.”

The last leader of the Soviet Union “played a decisive role in ending the Cold War and bringing down the Iron Curtain. This paved the way for a free Europe. This is a legacy we will not forget. Rest in peace, Mikhail Gorbachev,” wrote the head of the commission and former German defense minister on Twitter.

Mikhail Gorbachev was an authoritative and respected leader. He played a decisive role in ending the Cold War and bringing down the Iron Curtain. He opened the way to a free Europe.

We will not forget this legacy.

RIP Mikhail Gorbachev

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) August 30, 2022

UN Secretary General: He changed the course of history

The Secretary-General of the United Nations expressed “deep sorrow” over the death of the last leader of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, speaking of an “unparalleled leader” who “changed the course of history.”

“He did more than anyone to end the Cold War peacefully,” said Mr. António Guterres in a press release published by its services, believing that “the world has lost a great world leader, committed to multilateral cooperation, a tireless defender of peace.”

Emmanuel Macron: “Man of the World” is no more

President of France Emmanuel Macron thanked the last leader of the Soviet Union for his “commitment to the cause of peace in Europe.”

Mr Macron took to Twitter to honor the memory of this “peaceful man whose choice opened the way for Russians to freedom. His commitment to peace in Europe has changed our shared history.”

My condolences on the loss of Mikhail Gorbachev, the man whose choice opened the way to freedom for Russians. His engagement pour la paix en Europe a change notre histoire commune.

— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 30, 2022

Boris Johnson: “I have always admired his courage and honesty”

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson praised Gorbachev’s “courage and integrity”, noting that his “relentless commitment to opening up Soviet society” remains “exemplary” six months after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“I am saddened to learn of Gorbachev’s death. I have always admired the courage and integrity he showed in bringing the Cold War to a peaceful end. During Putin’s attack on Ukraine, his relentless commitment to opening up Soviet society remains an example for all of us,” Johnson tweeted.

During Putin’s attack on Ukraine, his relentless commitment to opening up Soviet society remains an example for all of us.”

I am saddened by the news of Gorbachev’s death.

I have always admired the courage and integrity he showed in bringing the Cold War to a peaceful conclusion.

During Putin’s aggression in Ukraine, his relentless commitment to opening up Soviet society remains an example for all of us.

— Boris Johnson (@BorisJohnson) August 30, 2022

Miltiadis Varvitsiotis: “A symbolic figure of the 20th century”

“Mikhail Gorbachev was a landmark political figure of the 20th century,” the Deputy Foreign Minister said yesterday, Tuesday. Miltiadis Varvitsiotis via Twitter.

“He played a decisive role in ending the Cold War by paving the way for a free Europe. He showed that history can be written not by wars, but by acts of peace.”

Mikhail Gorbachev was an iconic political figure of the 20th century. He played a decisive role in ending the Cold War by paving the way for a free Europe. He showed that history can be written not by wars, but by peaceful acts. pic.twitter.com/XsE80KhHXQ

— Varvitsiotis Miltiadis (@MVarvitsiotis) August 30, 2022