Last Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev Laid To Rest In Moscow

 

Daily Mail: A final embrace for her father: Daughter of Mikhail Gorbachev bids farewell as last Soviet leader is laid to rest at a funeral in Moscow as thousands of Russians queue to pay their respects clutching red roses 

* Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the Russian President could not come due to work schedule 

* Dignitaries pictured arriving included Hungarian President Viktor Orban and US ambassador John Sullivan 

* Despite huge outpouring of tributes from West after Gorbachev's death, reaction much more muted in Russia 

* Mikhail Gorbachev, 91, who was in power between 1985 and 1991, triggered the demise of the Soviet Union 

The daughter of the last Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has bid her final farewell to her father as he was laid to rest after a funeral service attended by thousands of Russians who lined the streets to pay their respects.

Irina Virganskaya was pictured embracing her father before the former leader was buried at Moscow's Novodevichy cemetery next to his wife Raisa. 

The burial followed a farewell ceremony at the Pillar Hall of the House of the Unions, an opulent 18th-century mansion near the Kremlin that has served as the venue for state funerals since Soviet times in a service that was snubbed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.  

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WNU Editor: Gorbachev represents a time of hardships and suffering that most Russians want to forget. I am not surprised that there was no state funeral. 

Last Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev Laid To Rest In Moscow  

Gorbachev buried in Moscow in funeral snubbed by Putin -- AP 

Russians say farewell to USSR’s last leader Mikhail Gorbachev in funeral snubbed by Putin -- CNN  

Mikhail Gorbachev funeral draws thousands in Moscow -- DW  

Mikhail Gorbachev funeral held in Moscow as Putin too busy to attend -- The Guardian  

Gorbachev laid to rest with honors in Moscow’s Novodevichye Cemetery -- TASS 

Gorbachev laid to rest in Moscow -- RT

No State Funeral For Former Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Russian President Putin Will Not Attend The Funeral

 

ABC News Australia: Vladimir Putin pays respects to former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev but won't attend his funeral 

Russian President Vladimir Putin has paid tribute to Mikhail Gorbachev but will not attend the late former Soviet leader's funeral, a decision reflecting the Kremlin's ambivalence about Mr Gorbachev's legacy. 

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that prior to departing for a working trip to Russia's westernmost Baltic exclave of Kaliningrad, Mr Putin visited a Moscow hospital where Gorbachev's body is kept before Saturday's funeral to lay flowers at his coffin.  

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WNU Editor: It is the little things that I always notice. Like Putin giving the sign of the cross at the end of the above video to Gorbachev who was an atheist all his life. 

No State Funeral For Former Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Russian President Putin Will Not Attend The Funeral  

Putin pays tribute to Gorbachev but won't attend his funeral -- AP  

Putin Will Skip Gorbachev Funeral Due to Tight Schedule — Kremlin -- Moscow Times  

Putin snubs funeral of former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev -- CNN 

Gorbachev made ‘profound impact’ on world history – Putin -- RT  

Gorbachev Was a Politician Who Had Huge Impact on World History - Putin -- Sputnik  

Putin bids farewell to Mikhail Gorbachev at Central Clinical Hospital — Kremlin -- TASS  

Putin highlights Gorbachev’s influential role in world history -- TASS  

Putin denies Gorbachev a state funeral and will stay away -- Reuters 

Gorbachev’s funeral to have some features of state ceremony — Kremlin spokesman -- TASS

Mikhail Gorbachev, Last Soviet Leader and Architect of Glasnost And Perestroika, Dies at 91

 

Daily Mail: Mikhail Gorbachev dead at 91: Final leader of the Soviet Union who helped end the Cold War and bring down the Iron Curtain but then saw his own superpower crumble dies in hospital 

* Mikhail Gorbachev - the last leader of the Soviet Union - has died in a Moscow hospital aged 91 

* Gorbachev helped bring the Cold War to an end and failed to prevent the collapse of the USSR 

* Under his rule, the Iron Curtain which had divided Europe since the Second World War disintegrated 

* He became general secretary of the Soviet Communist Party in 1985 committed to reforming the system 

* But many Russians never forgave Gorbachev for the turmoil his liberalising reforms unleashed 

Mikhail Gorbachev - the last leader of the USSR whose failure to prevent the collapse of the Soviet Union after the Cold War is despised by Russian nationalists including Vladimir Putin - has died at the age of 91, Russian news agencies cited hospital officials as saying. 

The Central Clinical Hospital in Moscow said that the former Soviet leader died 'after a serious and long illness' but gave no other details, according to the Interfax, TASS and RIA Novosti news agencies. 

Gorbachev had been suffering from long term kidney problems and was on dialysis - and had been confined to a clinic during the Covid pandemic.  

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WNU Editor: Wow! We now live in a very different world from the time when he was President of the Soviet Union. 

He introduced Glasnost And Perestroika. And for that I am forever grateful. 

Mikhail Gorbachev, Last Soviet Leader and Architect of Glasnost And Perestroika, Dies at 91  

Live: Tributes pour in for leader who helped end Cold War -- BBC 

Live: Tributes pour in as Mikhail Gorbachev, former Soviet leader, dies -- The Guardian 

LIVE UPDATES: Tributes Pour in After Death of Former USSR Leader Mikhail Gorbachev -- Sputnik  

Mikhail Gorbachev dies at 91 -- RT  

Mikhail Gorbachev has died at age 91 -- TASS  

Mikhail Gorbachev Dead at 91 After Being Diagnosed With Serious Illness - Central Clinical Hospital -- Sputnik  

Mikhail Gorbachev, Last Soviet Leader and Architect of Perestroika, Dies at 91 -- Moscow Times  

Mikhail Gorbachev, who steered Soviet breakup, dead at 91 -- AP  

Last Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, who ended the Cold War, dies aged 91 -- Reuters

Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev dies aged 91 -- DW 

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has died aged 91, Russian media report -- France 24  

Last Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev dies at 91 -- BBC 

Mikhail Gorbachev, Soviet leader who ended cold war, dies aged 91 -- The Guardian  

Gorbachev ended Cold War but presided over Soviet collapse -- Reuters  

Mikhail Gorbachev: The Soviet leader who helped end the Cold War -- BBC 

From Pizza Hut to the free press: Gorbachev's years after power -- France 24  

Gorbachev and first lady Raisa, a life 'hand-in-hand' -- France 24  

Mikhail Gorbachev to be buried next to wife at Moscow’s Novo-Dyevitchiye cemetery -- TASS 

Last Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev -- TASS

Born under Stalin, young Gorbachev survived famine and saw his grandfathers sent to the gulags – but rose through the Communist ranks to become a reforming titan of 20th Century politics -- Daily Mail  

Putin expresses condolences on death of Gorbachev -- RT  

Putin offers deepest condolences over Gorbachev’s death — Kremlin -- TASS  

World hails 'one-of-a-kind' ex-Soviet leader Gorbachev -- France 24  

Global reactions to the death of last Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev -- Reuters  

World reacts to death of former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev -- CBS  

In pictures: The life of ex-Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev -- BBC

We Now Know Why Former Soviet Leader Gorbachev Starred In A Pizza Hut Commercial In 1997

Boing Boing: The time Mikhail Gorbachev starred in a Pizza Hut commercial

In 1997, Mikhail Gorbachev, the final leader of the Soviet Union, needed some cash. So he made a Pizza Hut commercial. Of course there was more to the story than that, but not really so much. He reportedly received $1 million for the spot. "I thought that it is a people' s matter -- food," Gorbachev told the New York Times after the filming. "This is why if my name works for the benefit of consumers, to hell with it -- I can risk it." Over at Foreign Policy, Paul Musgrave tells the tale:

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Update #1: Gorbachev's Pizza Hut Ad Is His Most Bizarre Legacy (Foreign Policy)
Update #2: US Media Reveals Why Former USSR President Gorbachev Starred in Pizza Hut Ad (Sputnik)

WNU Editor: When I first saw the ad I just shook my head. Twenty-two years later .... I am still shaking my head.

Former Soviet President Gorbachev: 'Dangerous Point' As US-Russia Ties Sour

© Sputnik/ Alexander Vilf

AFP: Gorbachev warns of 'dangerous point' as US-Russia ties sour

Moscow (AFP) - Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev warned on Monday that the world has reached a "dangerous point" as tensions between Russia and the United States spike over the Syria conflict.

Relations between Moscow and Washington -- already at their lowest since the Cold War over the Ukraine conflict -- have soured further in recent days as the United States pulled the plug on Syria talks and accused Russia of hacking attacks.

The Kremlin has suspended a series of nuclear pacts, including a symbolic cooperation deal to cut stocks of weapons-grade plutonium.

"I think the world has reached a dangerous point," Gorbachev, 85, told state news agency RIA Novosti.

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Update #1: Mikhail Gorbachev warns world is at 'dangerous point' amid US-Russian face off over Syria (The Telegraph)
Update #2: US And Russia Going To War? Gorbachev Warns 'Dangerous Point' Reached Over Syria Talks (IBTimes)
Update #3: Russia, US Must Overcome Lost Mutual Trust, Relaunch Nuclear Talks - Gorbachev (Sputnik)

WNU Editor: His proposal to establish a Council of Elders is tempting .... Political Elders Can Play Vital Role in Resolving Ongoing Conflicts - Gorbachev (Sputnik). Unfortunately .... I doubt that anyone in the Kremlin or Washington would implement (or even listen) to their ideas.

Former Soviet Leader Gorbachev Warns On The Growth Of A New Stalinism In Russia

Anna Nemtsova, Daily Beast: Gorbachev Sings! And Denounces New Stalinism

Who knew the Soviet Union’s great reformer, who just turned 85, could sing? Watch a (surprisingly smooth) sampling of his talent.

MOSCOW — We did not know that the man who changed the world could also sing. At Mikhail Gorbachev’s 85th birthday party last week, many jaws dropped in surprise as he crooned of love and peace.

Russians had no idea that their former president and the great reformer of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics from 1986 to 1991, who brought the wind of freedom into the country 30 years ago, could also intone romantic ballads. But that was not the only surprise.

At his gala party on Wednesday, Gorbachev was singing to the accompaniment of a dissident musician, rock star Andrei Makarevich. And that in itself was a political statement: Over the last two years authorities have canceled Makarevich’s concerts all across the country because of the musician’s support for Ukraine.

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WNU Editor: A new era of Stalin is not going to happen in today's Russia .... but there are worrying trends. As to Gorbachev singing .... it felt weird hearing him sing .... he sounds like my father singing.

Former Soviet Leader Gorbachev Is Interviewed By Spiegel On The Current State Of East - West Relations

In an interview with SPIEGEL, former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev warns of tensions between Russia and the West: "Things could blow up at any time if we don't act. The loss of trust is disastrous. Moscow no longer believes the West and the West doesn't believe Moscow." Gorbachev is pictured here at the headquarters of his foundation in Moscow. Denis Sinyakov/ DER SPIEGEL

Interview Conducted by Matthias Schepp and Britta Sandberg, Spiegel Online: Gorbachev Interview: 'I Am Truly and Deeply Concerned'

WNU Editor: This is actually a good interview .... and much of what he says I do not disagree with. Maybe history will be kind to him .... but since the fall of the Soviet Union, he has not been a popular figure in Russia.

Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev Warns That Tensions Over Ukraine Could Spiral Into Nuclear War

Moscow Times/Reuters: Gorbachev Warns Tensions Over Ukraine Could Spiral Into Nuclear War

WNU Editor: Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev is pushing a new book .... so I guess his promoters said .... lets create a little controversy and fear to push the speaking fees and the book. As all of you readers can tell .... I am not a fan of Gorbachev. Having said that .... the chance of a nuclear war in Europe because of Ukraine is .... zero.

More News On Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev Warning That Tensions Over Ukraine Could Spiral Into Nuclear War

Gorbachev issues new warning of nuclear war over Ukraine -- Deutsche Welle
NATO expansion in E. Europe ‘destroys EU security order’ – Gorbachev -- RT
Gorbachev: Russia, Ukraine & Europe Risk Nuclear War -- Barrons
Gorbachev Warns Of Danger In Russian-Western Relations -- Radio Free Europe

Did Putin Save Russia From Disintegration?

Former Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev (L) signs autographs during a presentation of his new book "After Kremlin" in Moscow December 26, 2014. (Reuters / Sergei Karpukhin)

Gorbachev: Putin Saved Russia From Disintegration -- RT

Russian President Vladimir Putin saved the country from falling apart, former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev said during the presentation of his new book 'After the Kremlin.' Gorbachev also commented on the situation in Ukraine and NATO expansion.

“I think all of us – Russian citizens – must remember that [Putin] saved Russia from the beginning of a collapse. A lot of the regions did not recognize our constitution. There were over a hundred local constitutional variations from that of the Russian constitution,” RIA Novosti quoted Gorbachev as saying on Friday.

He added that saving Russia during that crucial period was a “historical deed.”

Gorbachev remarked that he knew the Russian president before Putin took office, describing him as having good judgment and discipline.

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My Comment: No Mr. Gorbachev .... he did not save Russia from disintegration. The crisis in Russia after the break-up of the Soviet Union was primarily economic and the social instability that it was causing. But Putin was not the President when Russia started to bounce back from the August 1998 financial crash (the devalued ruble made Russian goods competitive) .... I remember those times very well .... employment was going up and a number of reforms were being proposed .... reforms which Putin was not in a position to object to when assuming the Presidency in 2000. If I am going to give Putin credit, it is his approval of a simple 13% flat tax .... this simple policy stabilized what the Russian government could collect in taxes, and gave a boost to small and medium businesses in their business plans. His busting up of the oligarchs who bought up Russian resources and companies on the cheap .... replaced by his own allies .... is a debate that is still ongoing .... but I for one am not sorry that Russia's first oligarchs are now gone.

Former Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev: Putin Sees Himself As 'Second Only To God

Vladimir Putin was in Brisbane for the G20 summit, where he experienced a series of diplomatic snubs from Western leaders following fresh reports of Russian troops pouring into eastern Ukraine

Putin Sees Himself As 'Second Only To God': Gorbachev Blasts Russian President For His 'Big Head' As It Emerges Kremlin Leader Was In Furious Four Hour Bust-Up With Angela Merkel -- Daily Mail

* Gorbachev criticised Putin as he launched his book 'After the Kremlin'
* He warned him not to get a big head because 'that is what ruined me'
* But he also praised Putin saying he worked 'in the interest of the majority'
* Putin and Merkel met for private talks at the Hilton Hotel in Brisbane
* Meeting seemed to indicate worsening relations for Germany and Russia
* Merkel insists she wants to keep dialogue open between the two countries

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has blasted Vladimir Putin for getting big headed and seeing himself as God's deputy, complaining that the Kremlin leader now never consults him.

The 83-year-old father of glasnost declared: 'He has started picking up the same illness which I suffered from earlier - self-confidence.

'He thinks he is second only to God, but I don't know in charge of what really.'

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My Comment: No one listens to Mikhail Gorbachev in Russia anymore .... but the news that there was a big "blow-out" between Putin and Merkel is news .... and when I think about it ....  not surprising when one considers what is happening in Ukraine and how it is impacting the seuciruty and economic situation in eastern Europe.

Former Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev Warns That The World Is 'On The Brink Of A New Cold War'

The West should lift its economic sanctions against Russia and consider the remarks that Russian President Vladimir Putin made at a meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club, former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev said Saturday. © RIA Novosti. Ramil Sitdikov

Mikhail Gorbachev Warns Of ‘New Cold War’ Over Ukraine -- The Guardian

Former Soviet Union leader says tensions between US and Russia should be kept under control

Mikhail Gorbachev has warned that tensions between the US and Russia over Ukraine have put the world on the brink of a new cold war.

The former leader of the Soviet Union said: “We must make sure that we get the tensions that have arisen recently under control.”

The call comes amid a warning from the Dutch foreign minister that the last victims of the Malaysia Airlines plane shot down over Ukraine might never be recovered.

Gorbachev was speaking on Saturday at an event marking the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall, close to the Brandenburg Gate.

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More News On Former Soviet Mikhail Gorbachev Warning That The World Is 'On The Brink Of A New Cold War'

Gorbachev warns world ‘on brink of new Cold War’ -- Salon/AP
Gorbachev Warns Against 'New Cold War' -- Radio Free Europe
Mikhail Gorbachev warns the world is 'on the brink of a new Cold War' as tensions between the major powers over Ukraine escalate -- Daily Mail
Gorbachev Urges West to Lift Sanctions, Consider Putin’s Valdai Speech -- RIA Novosti

My Comment: I know that his warnings will not be heard in Russia. If there is a former leader that many Russians have contempt for .... it is Mikhail Gorbachev. As to what is my own opinion .... if present trends continue he will be proven right.

Former Soviet Leader Gorbachev Denounces Russian President Putin On Rights And Corruption

Mikhail Gorbachev Denounces Putin's 'Attack On Rights' -- BBC

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has denounced laws passed in Russia as an "attack on the rights of citizens".

In an interview with the BBC he called on President Vladimir Putin "not to be afraid of his own people".

Mr Gorbachev also criticised Mr Putin's inner circle, saying it was full of "thieves and corrupt officials".

The laws include fines for organising unsanctioned protests, stiffer libel penalties, a wider definition of treason and restrictions on websites.

In January, Human Rights Watch accused President Putin of unleashing "the worst political crackdown in Russia's post-Soviet history" since returning to the Kremlin for a third term in May 2012.

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More News On Former Soviet Leader Gorbachev Denouncing Russian President Putin On Rights And Corruption

Gorbachev Denounces Putin on Rights and Corruption -- Moscow Times
Soviet leader Gorbechev critical of Putin -- UPI
Gorbachev rebukes Putin's attack on rights -- UPI
'Attack on rights': Mikhail Gorbachev denounces Vladimir Putin’s new laws -- The Independent
Russian row: Gorbachev suggests Putin a scaredy-cat -- Washington Times
Gorbachev Denounces 'Attacks On Citizens' Rights' -- Radio Free Europe

My Comment: Sorry .... but Gorbachev has zero support in Russia.

Former Soviet Leader Gorbachev Sees A "New World Order" Developing

Mikhail Gorbachev, former president of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, speaks to The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal on Oct. 21. Photograph by: Allen McInnis, Montreal Gazette

Gorbachev Sees 'New World Order' Developing -- Times Leader/AP

Former Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev says he believes protests occurring now in many places signal the emergence of a "new world order" movement.

The 80-year-old Gorbachev told 3,600 people at Lafayette College​ in eastern Pennsylvania on Wednesday that global governments need to work toward a "more humane and more just" world.

The (Easton) Express-Times reports that Gorbachev said opportunities that existed at the end of the Cold War were "not used properly." He said with the breakup of the Soviet Union, some U.S. leaders and scholars became "arrogant" and advocated for a new American empire, and that contributed to continued poverty, environmental and development problems around the world.

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My Comment: Gorbachev is in Montreal today .... and yes .... I did not even bother to go see him. While the West may still feel enamored with him, almost everyone in Russia (myself included) despise him. His rule was not a good one .... and the pain and suffering that happened under his watch still riles everyone back home.

Former President Mikhail Gorbachev Remembers The Collapse Of The Soviet Union

Mikhail Gorbachev: We Should Have Preserved The Soviet Union -- Christian Science Monitor

On the 20th anniversary of the Soviet Union's collapse, former President Mikhail Gorbachev says the US should have backed his promotion of perestroika, or political and economic reforms. He says that Vladimir Putin is dragging Russia backward.

Twenty years on, former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev still "deeply regrets" the demise of the USSR, blames the United States for not being more supportive of his efforts to reform the Communist system, believes US global power is on the decline and worries that Vladimir Putin – who aims to become president again next March -- is dragging Russia backward.

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My Comment: Truth be told .... he is one of the most reviled living leaders in Russia today. Everyone blames him for the economic collapse and hardships that many Russian had to go through (including my own family) when the Soviet Union fractured. As to his assertion that he could have reformed the Communist system .... please (my eyes are rolling) .... what a joke.