The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, expressed his “deep sorrow” at the death of the last leader of the USSR, Mikhail Gorbachev. This was reported by the spokesman of the Kremlin Dmitri Peskov.

“Put in expresses his deep regret for the death of Gorbachev, in the morning he will send a telegram of condolences their relatives and friends, “Peskov said, quoted by the news agency interface.

The Perestroika architect died this Tuesday at the age of 91 at the Moscow Central Clinical Hospital from a prolonged illness.

Who also dedicated a few words to him was Henry Kissingeranother central player in the tense relationship between the United States and the Soviet Union for decades.

“The people of Eastern Europe and the German people, and ultimately the Russian people, owe them a great debt of gratitude for the inspiration, for the courage to present these ideas of freedom, “said the 99-year-old former secretary of state.

In a message released by BBCKissinger claimed that Gorbachev rendered “great services” but was unable to “implement all of his visions”.

“Even so”, he added, “he will be remembered in history as a man who initiated historical transformations for the benefit of humanity and the Russian people”.

Another international political figure who spoke out on the death of the former leader of the Soviet Union was António Guterres, UN Secretary General.

“He did more than any other individual for ending the Cold War peacefullyGuterres recalled, before expressing his condolences to his family and “to the people and government of the Russian Federation”.

Gorbachev was, in his words, “a unique man that changed the course of history.

According to Guterres, Gorbachev “put into practice” his message that peace is unity in diversity “always following the path of negotiation, reform, transparency and disarmament”, recalled the Secretary General of the United Nations, who also emphasized Gorbachev’s commitment in his later years with the environmental cause.

And he concluded: “The world has lost an imposing global leader, a staunch multilateralist and tireless supporter of peace“.

It has also manifested itself Boris Johnsonwhich drew a comparison with the role that Russia plays today.

“I am saddened by the news of Gorbachev’s death. I have always admired him courage and integrity it proved this by bringing the Cold War to a peaceful conclusion, “said the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.

And he moves on to parallelism with the present: «In a moment of Putin’s aggression in Ukraine, his tireless commitment to open up Soviet society Continue to be an example for all of us “.

Also Ursula von der Leyenpresident of the European Commission, highlighted Gorbachev’s legacy.

“He was a trusted and respected leader. He played a crucial role in the end of the Cold War and drop the iron curtain. It paved the way for a free Europe “, recalled von der Leyen.” This is a legacy we will not forget. “

Another European leader who recalled Gorbachev’s contribution was Michele MartinoPrime Minister of Ireland.

“At a time when the threat to the world of nuclear destruction was very real, he saw the urgent need for rapprochement with the West and greater openness and reform – glasnost and perestroika – in the then Soviet Union, “said Martin.

He also noted that “his leadership helped to end the arms race between East and West, ended the Cold War and pulled down the Iron Curtain that had divided Europe since World War II.”

And he concluded: “There are very few figures who can be said to have really changed the world. Mikhail Gorbachev was one. He will be remembered for a long time.”

According to initial reports, Gorbachev will be buried at the Novodevichy Cemetery in Moscowwhere the remains of prominent figures in the history of this country lie and where the tomb of his wife, Raísa, is also located.

The last president of the Soviet Union had been living out of the media spotlight for years due to health problems.

With information from EFE

DS