The ex-Soviet leader’s death
in the midst of the war in Ukraine, and a breakdown in relations with America
and Europe, will likely prevent major world leaders or Western elder statesmen from travelling to Moscow to pay their last respects.
It is not immediately clear if
Putin will permit a full-scale state funeral for Gorbachev, who was president
of the USSR which no longer exists. Nor is it clear yet if he will attend, as
would be expected.
Putin was no fan of Gorbachev
who he blamed for the dismantling of the Soviet Union, which he saw as a
catastrophe.
Yet for Western leaders, Gorbachev is seen as a political giant whose passing should be honoured.
But with sanctions imposed by
the West on Russia, including on flights, he is unlikely to want to host
Western leaders who despise him and allow them to honour Gorbachev in Moscow.
Putin may also have concerns
at revealing close up to Western leaders or elder statesmen and women his true
health condition at a time when rumours of his medical condition are rife and
his public appearances are rare and often painstakingly choreographed.
