The death of the former Soviet Union leader who oversaw the End of the Cold war and the breakup of the defunct Soviet Union had received global reactions from various leaders of the world, who had what to say about the ex-Soviet leaders.
What sounded astonishing was the great applause he got from western leaders amidst the rivalry between Russia and the West, some western leaders regarded him as the real hero of the defunct Soviet Union after he facilitated the end of the Cold War.
While many western leaders regarded him as a hero, many loyalists of the Soviet Union and some Communist states breed a seed of disgust towards him after he submitted the empire to the feet of the West.
Expressing his condolence, Russian President Vladimir Putin through the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, “expressed his deepest condolences to his family and the great people of Russia, saying Gorbachev is a statesman who will be forever remembered in the history of our country.”
Kremlin hailed the former leader as an extraordinary, unique, and leader of the people who will be remembered all over the world for his contribution to global unity and peace.
United States President Joe Biden in his condolence message said, “Mikhail Gorbachev was a man of remarkable vision, whose vision as a peace-loving leader worked together with President Reagan to end the two countries going nuclear.”
He also hailed his policies of “openness” and “restructuring” where Gorbachev showcase his rareness as a leader who was able to create a different future for the world at the expense of his entire career.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, “he always admired the courage and integrity Gorbachev showcased in bringing the Cold War to a peaceful end.”
He also said that Gorbachev’s death comes at a period of Putin’s aggression in Ukraine, after his commitment in seeing to the opening of the Soviet society.
Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel describe Gorbachev as a leader who wrote world history. He showed how a single statesman can change the world for the better.”
French President Emmanuel Macron describes Gorbachev “As a man of peace whose choices opened up a path of liberty for Russians. His contribution to the peace and tranquility of Europe changed our shared history.”
Italy Prime Minister Mario Draghi described “Gorbachev’s desire for peace and his stance against imperial vision earned him the Nobel Prize.” He cited that, Gorbachev’s act of peace should be reciprocated by slamming President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
European Union President Ursula Von der Leyen said, “Gorbachev was a trusted and respected leader for the crucial role he played to end the Cold War and bring an end to the Soviet Union.” According to her, the Gorbachev act opened the way for a free Europe which will be remembered forever.
U.N Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said, “Gorbachev’s death means the world has lost a global leader with an untireless effort for global peace. He describes him as a one-of-a-kind statesman who changed the course of him.
Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said “Gorbachev played an important role in overcoming a post-World War || division in Europe and also the East-West confrontation. He said Gorbachev left an unmatched accomplishment for his support to abolish nuclear weapons confrontation.
