Former Soviet Union leader died aged 91
Global tributes are being paid to Mikhail Gorbachev, the former leader of the Soviet Union who died at the age of 91.
He was widely credited with transforming relations with the west and bringing an end to the Cold War.
President Vladimir Putin offered his sympathies via a spokesperson.
“Mikhail Gorbachev was a politician and statesman who had a huge impact on the course of world history. He led our country during a period of complex, dramatic changes, large-scale foreign policy, economic and social challenges. He deeply understood that reforms were necessary, he strove to offer his own solutions to urgent problems. I will especially note the great humanitarian, charitable, educational activities that Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev has been conducting in recent years.”
While his death has also prompted former British foreign secretary Malcolm Rifkind to reflect on Russia's current war in Ukraine.
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