World politicians react as last Soviet president, Mikhail Gorbachev, dies

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has joined other world leaders in paying tribute to the late Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union.

Mikhail Gorbachev, the last Soviet president, has died at the age of 91.

Gorbachev forged arms reduction deals with the United States and partnerships with Western powers to remove the Iron Curtain that had divided Europe since WWII and bring about the reunification of Germany.

He was a pivotal figure in ending the Cold War.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said through his role in bringing an end to the Soviet era, Gorbachev demonstrated the importance of engagement and diplomacy.

"Gorbachev demonstrated the importance of engagement and diplomacy, shown by the role he played in bringing an end to the Cold War. There is no question he holds an important place in the world's history," Ardern said.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also paid tribute to Gorbachev.

"Mikhail Gorbachev was a man of warmth, hope, resolve and enormous courage, and in a world that was profoundly divided he was driven by an instinct for cooperation and unity."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the former Soviet president "did more than any other individual" to end the Cold War peacefully.

"The world has lost a towering global leader, committed multilateralist, and tireless advocate for peace," Guterres said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed "his deepest condolences," his spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Interfax news agency. "Tomorrow he will send a telegram of condolences to his family and friends."

US President Joe Biden praised Gorbachev's work alongside former US President Ronald Reagan in reducing the two countries' nuclear arsenals.

"Mikhail Gorbachev was a man of remarkable vision ... As leader of the USSR, he worked with President Reagan to reduce our two countries' nuclear arsenals ... After decades of brutal political repression, he embraced democratic reforms.

"The result was a safer world and greater freedom for millions of people," Biden said.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Gorbachev's commitment to peace remained an example to all during a time of conflict in Europe.

"I always admired the courage & integrity he showed in bringing the Cold War to a peaceful conclusion ... In a time of Putin's aggression in Ukraine, his tireless commitment to opening up Soviet society remains an example to us all."

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said his death came at a time when democracy had failed in Russia amid its war with Ukraine.

"We won't forget that the perestroika had made it possible for Russia to be able to try to undertake the establishment of a democracy, that democracy and freedom were possible in Europe, that Germany could be unified, that the Iron Curtain disappeared."

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said he was one of the 20th century's most extraordinary figures.

"He was a brave and visionary leader, who shaped our world in ways previously thought unimaginable."

Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau said Gorbachev expanded the freedoms of people in the Soviet Union in an unprecedented way, "giving them hope for a more dignified life".

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said: "He has left behind great accomplishment as a world leader supporting the abolishment of nuclear weapons."

French President Emmanuel Macron hailed Gorbachev's dedication to peace in Europe.

"My condolences for the death of Mikhail Gorbachev, a man of peace whose choices opened up a path of liberty for Russians. His commitment to peace in Europe changed our shared history," Macron said.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen described him as a trusted and respected leader.

"He played a crucial role to end the Cold War and bring down the Iron Curtain. It opened the way for a free Europe ... This legacy is one we will not forget."

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said his vision of a better world continued to be exemplary.

"Mikhail Gorbachev's historic reforms led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union, helped end the Cold War and opened the possibility of a partnership between Russia and NATO."

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Gorbachev's era was needed again in the world.

"Mikhail Gorbachev brought with glasnost and perestroika a wind of freedom to the Soviet block. He helped end the Cold War and fundamentally change global security, ushering in an era of mutually beneficial cooperation. An era that vanished and is urgently needed again."

Former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said she was saddened to hear of his death.

"He was a man who tried to deliver a better life for his people. His life was consequential because, without him and his courage, it would not have been possible to end the Cold War peacefully."

The Reagan Foundation and Institute issued a statement saying Gorbachev, who had once been considered to be an adversary to the former president, had eventually gone on to become a friend of Ronald Reagan's.

"The Reagan Foundation and Institute mourns the loss of former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, a man who once was a political adversary of Ronald Reagan's who ended up becoming a friend. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Gorbachev family and the people of Russia."

Former US Secretary of State James Baker III, who was in the position when Gorbachev agreed to allow a reunified Germany to be a part of NATO, said the free world would miss the political icon.

"History will remember Mikhail Gorbachev as a giant who steered his great nation towards democracy. He played the critical role in a peaceful conclusion of the Cold War by his decision against using force to hold the empire together ... The free world misses him greatly."

Meanwhile, former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney recalled the Russian leader as a pleasant man.

"He was a good friend, surprising as that might seem ... He was a very pleasant man to deal with and he had great vision for the future of his country which is antithetical to that being articulated now. History will remember him as a great transformational leader."

- RNZ / Reuters