The death of Mikhail Gorbachev sent ripples across Europe, prompting reflections on the leader who ended the Soviet era and reshaped the continent’s political landscape.
Responses from Moscow were cautious. President Vladimir Putin offered condolences, but the initial reaction from the Kremlin suggested a restrained appraisal of Gorbachev and his legacy. The government faced the delicate task of deciding how to honor a figure associated with both dismantling a superpower and challenging established norms in Russia itself.
With Moscow’s isolation heightened by the war in Ukraine, international attendance at the funeral became uncertain, and the date remained unsettled. Foreign leaders could find it difficult to participate in a ceremony that would be watched closely for signals about Russia’s direction.
“He paved the way for a free Europe”
Within the broader international circle, a chorus of praise emerged. Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, described Gorbachev as a reliable and respected leader who played a pivotal role in ending the Cold War and removing the Iron Curtain. She highlighted his enduring impact on European unity and freedom, noting that his actions opened a path toward a more open continent.
Von der Leyen recalled German policy at the time, stating that Gorbachev’s decisions “paved the way for a free Europe” and left a legacy that remains unforgettable in the history of postwar Europe.
Mikhail Gorbachev was viewed as a pivotal figure by many, recognized for his steady leadership and the courage to pursue change. His influence is widely acknowledged as a turning point that allowed Europe to move beyond division and hostility toward greater cooperation and opportunity.
This legacy endures in the memories of those who believe that the era of conflict gave way to dialogue and collaboration. The statement remains a powerful reminder of the possibilities unleashed when leaders choose reform over entrenched borders.
— Ursula von der Leyen
“It changed the course of history”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep sadness at Gorbachev’s passing, remembering him as a statesman who redirected the arc of the Cold War toward peaceful change. He emphasized that Gorbachev contributed to ending hostilities without resorting to violence and conveyed condolences to the Gorbachev family, the Russian people, and all those affected by the era’s upheavals.
The UN chief described a world that lost a significant global leader who championed multilateralism and persistently pursued peace. He reminded audiences of a line from Gorbachev’s Nobel Prize speech: peace is not unity in sameness but unity in diversity.
Example against aggression
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson highlighted Gorbachev as a model whose courage and honesty helped bring about a peaceful resolution to the Cold War. He noted the lasting impact of Gorbachev’s openness in Soviet society and called him an enduring example of steadfast resolve in times of crisis.
In social media reflections, Johnson underscored the respect he holds for Gorbachev’s role in guiding history toward cooperation and restraint, as well as the global responsibility to pursue constructive engagement in difficult moments.
Public statements from other leaders reflected a shared recognition of Gorbachev’s influence. The reflections emphasized the courage to pursue reform and the commitment to reducing tensions on the world stage.