Mikhail Gorbachev, the former Soviet leader who helped to end the Cold War, has died at the age of 91.
According to Russian news agencies, Gorbachev died at the Central Clinical Hospital on Tuesday.
The late Soviet leader is renowned for bringing the Cold War to an end without bloodshed.
The Cold War, which lasted from 1947 to 1991, was a period of geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union and their allies.
For his role in ending the conflict, Gorbachev was awarded the 1990 Nobel Peace Prize.
Gorbachev, who became the Soviet leader in March 1985, survived a coup in 1991 but was unable to stop the disintegration of the Soviet Union.
The coup was carried out by the Communist Party, KGB, and military officials opposed to his leadership style.
He was the eighth and final leader of the Soviet Union and was also the general secretary of the Communist Party until 1991.
Despite his role in helping to end the Cold War and averting a potential nuclear war, Gorbachev was not widely revered in Russia.
Tass, the Russian news agency, said he will be buried beside his wife at Novodevichy cemetery in Moscow.
One of the most talked about people in the world, here are some quotes about him.
British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, BBC interview, December 14, 1984:
“I like Mr Gorbachev. We can do business together.”
U.S. President Ronald Reagan, speech at Berlin Wall, June 12, 1987:
“There is one sign the Soviets can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace. General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: Come here to this gate!
“Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!“
U.S. President George Bush, at press conference alongside Gorbachev after talks, Dec. 3, 1989:
“For forty years, the Western alliance has stood together in the cause of freedom. And now, with reform under way in the Soviet Union, we stand at the threshold of a brand new era of U.S.-Soviet relations… I am optimistic that as the West works patiently together and increasingly cooperates with the Soviet Union, we can realise a lasting peace and transform the east-west relationship to one of enduring cooperation.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin, congratulating Gorbachev on his 91st birthday, March 2, 2022, as quoted by TASS:
“You have lived a long, fulfilling life, and you’ve rightfully earned great prestige and recognition. 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.”
