Gorbachev’s Views on Russia Today and Putin’s Leadership

To better understand the changing geopolitical landscape, we turn to the perspectives of Mikhail Gorbachev, the 91-year-old former leader of the Soviet Union. His views on current Russian affairs and Vladimir Putin’s leadership have gained considerable attention recently. This article delves into Gorbachev’s analysis of Russia today and his assessment of Putin's policies, providing insights supported by recent communications with the former leader.

Communication with Gorbachev

According to a close friend and journalist, Alexei Venidiktov, Mikhail Gorbachev still shares his thoughts on current Russian affairs through ongoing conversations. Venidiktov, who is well-informed on Gorbachev’s opinions, reports that the former leader believes that Putin has rolled back many of his life’s work. This view is significant given Gorbachev's substantial contribution to promoting democracy, freedom, and economic reform during his tenure.

Gorbachev’s Policies and Achievements

During Gorbachev’s time in power, his policies were aimed at fostering greater freedom of speech, implementing economic reforms, and reducing tensions between Moscow and the West. These efforts were part of his broader vision to transform the Soviet Union into a more open and progressive society. By promoting freedom of speech, Gorbachev encouraged public discourse and allowed for the expression of dissenting views. Economic reforms were aimed at modernizing the Soviet economy and aligning it with the needs of a rapidly changing world. Moreover, the easing of tensions with the West marked a significant shift in international relations, bringing an end to the Cold War and paving the way for geopolitical cooperation.

Policies Under Putin

Gorbachev’s successor, Vladimir Putin, has faced significant criticism from supporters of Gorbachev. The latter, via Venidiktov, points out that Putin has rolled back many of the freedoms and reforms initiated during his presidency. One of the most notable examples of this rollback is the substantial increase in NATO rapid reaction forces in Europe. When Gorbachev left office, there were around 4,000 NATO rapid reaction forces in Europe. However, according to NATO, the number of these forces is set to increase to 300,000 by the end of 2024. This increase in military presence is seen by many as a direct challenge to Russian security and sovereignty.

Additional Criticisms and Perspectives

Aside from the military build-up, Gorbachev has also expressed concerns about NATO’s actions, seeing them as part of a broader strategy against Russia. He views the USA/NATO’s attitude toward Russia as fundamentally wrong, believing that stability is not part of the globalist agenda. Gorbachev suggests that Putin’s self-defense is a necessary response to NATO’s increasing assertiveness. For Gorbachev, Putin’s actions can be understood in the context of Russia’s ongoing struggle for security and sovereignty in a rapidly changing world. Furthermore, Gorbachev argues that Putin is a legitimate figure, defending his decision-making, especially in light of the chaos and instability caused by the oligarch economy and the conflicted leadership in Ukraine.

Conclusion

Gorbachev’s views on Russia today and Putin’s leadership provide a critical perspective on the current state of Russian affairs. His insights, gained from decades of political experience, offer valuable context and analysis. The complex interplay of historical, economic, and geopolitical factors shapes the current landscape, and Gorbachev’s observations serve as a reminder of the profound changes that have occurred during Putin’s tenure. As the debate continues, Gorbachev’s words provide important food for thought for those seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities involved.