Last Soviet Union President, Mikhail Gorbachev, dies aged 91

·

Mikhail Gorbachev, who ended the Cold War but failed to prevent the collapse of the Soviet Union, has died aged 91.

The Central Clinical Hospital in Russia said in a statement that Gorbachev died on Tuesday after a long illness.

In 1985, aged 54, Gorbachev became the general secretary of the Soviet Communist Party, setting out to revitalise the party by introducing peace talks, as well as political and economic freedoms.

As the last Soviet President, he managed to strike up arms reduction agreements with the United States and partnerships with Western powers to remove the Iron Curtain that had divided Europe since World War II.

Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev, left, and U.S. President Ronald Reagan talk during their meeting in Iceland in 1986. Photo: AP Photo/Scott Stewart

When pro-democracy protests swept across the Soviet bloc nations in 1989, he refrained from using force, unlike previous Kremlin leaders who had sent tanks to crush uprisings in Hungary in 1956 and Czechoslovakia in 1968.

Nevertheless, the protests fuelled aspirations for autonomy in the 15 republics of the Soviet Union and he failed to prevent the subsequent collapse.

Twenty-five years after the collapse, Gorbachev told The Associated Press that he had not considered using widespread force to keep the USSR together because he feared chaos in the nuclear country.

In 1990, Gorbachev won the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in ending the Cold War and spent his later years collecting accolades and awards from all corners of the world.

Pope John Paul II shakes hands with Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev in the first-ever meeting between a Kremlin chief and a Pontiff, in Vatican, Friday, Dec. 1, 1989. Photo: AP Photo/Massimo Sambucetti

However, at home, he was widely despised with Russians blaming him for the 1991 implosion of the Soviet Union and quickly became a scapegoat for the country’s troubles.

His run for president in 1996 was a national joke, and he polled less than 1% of the vote.

As for his opinions on Russia’s current President, Vladimir Putin, whilst Gorbachev protested Putin’s actions to limit media freedom, he did concede that the Russian President had done much to restore stability and prestige to Russia after the tumultuous decade following the Soviet collapse.

This year on March 2, Putin congratulated Gorbachev on his 91st birthday.

“You have lived a long, fulfilling life, and you’ve rightfully earned great prestige and recognition,” Putin was quoted as saying by TASS.

“It is gratifying that today your multifaceted work contributes to the implementation of much-needed social, educational, charitable projects, as well as to the development of international humanitarian cooperation.”

SOURCE: AP News

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

A postcard brought to life: Billy Cotsis explores the soul of Patmos

There is something about the freedom of being out on the Aegean. One can visit small islands, more populated islands, deserted beaches or simply go fishing.

From tragedy to triumph: Christina Vithoulkas becomes Australia’s first female para drifter

Vithoulkas never lost her love for extreme sports. Now 30, she has found the same thrill in drifting—a motorsport where cars slide sideways.

Program of the 11th International Summer University in Boston announced

The 11th International Summer University "Greek Language, Culture and Media" will take place from May 24-29 in Boston.

Hellenic Writer’s Association of Australia hold student literary competition

The Hellenic Writers’ Association of Australia has announced its annual Student Literary Competition, titled “From Greece to the World”.

Athens university develops first tool to measure TikTok addiction

A research team from the University of Athens has created the world’s first tool specifically designed to assess addiction to TikTok.

You May Also Like

Sydney Olympic FC dominate Sutherland Sharks at Belmore Sports Ground

Sydney Olympic FC gave a dominant display with a 4-1 victory over the Sutherland Sharks at Belmore Sports Ground.

Teen cricket sensation Sam Konstas picked for first senior overseas Test in Sri Lanka

Sam Konstas, Australia’s 19-year-old batting prodigy, has retained his spot in the Test squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka.

Pelagia Markogiannakis: Leading with courage in defence, infrastructure and beyond

With a distinguished career spanning the Australian Defence Force and the private sector, Pelagia Markogiannakis has broken barriers.