Vladimir Putin Has Denied Mikhail Gorbachev Honor Of State Funeral: Report

Former Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev will not have the honor of a state funeral. Russian news agencies on Wednesday reported that no plans have been organized for a state funeral for Gorbachev with speculations of Putin actually denying the peacemaker the same honor that is given to all Russian presidents.

According to the Mirror, Putin paid his last respects to Gorbachev and visited the Central Clinical Hospital on Thursday. The leader placed flowers and bowed to the coffin as he gazed upon a framed photo of Gorbachev. Other images of his visit captured Putin crossing himself and touching the coffin in what may seem like a sincere gesture, however, the leader reportedly may not attend the funeral.

The Kremlin has not disclosed final funeral arrangements as they are still undecided on how to facilitate the tribute. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Putin is still consulting with Gorbachev’s family and friends on the funeral as it was confirmed that the state will assist in the organization. Although it was mentioned that there will be “elements” of a state funeral such as a guard of honor and a farewell, the event will most definitely be scaled down.

The funeral will be open to the public and is set for Saturday. It will take place in the famous Hall of Columns located inside Moscow’s House of Unions - the same venue where Josef Stalin’s funeral took place in 1953. The former Soviet leader will be buried at Moscow’s Novodevichy Cemetery, next to his wife Raisa, who died in 1999.

Putin and Gorbachev had a rather difficult relationship over the years. The former Soviet president was heavily critical of Putin’s rule over the past 22 years including his decision to invade Ukraine. As it is, Russians are still in a divide on the reforms and openness Gorbachev brought into the country. While some have welcomed the more liberal approach that has reflected a romanticized relationship with the West, others are still furious and have blamed the fall of what was once a powerful Soviet Union.

In a telegram of condolence sent to Gorbachev’s family, Putin noted how the late president deeply understood the necessity of implementing such reforms and that Gorbachev sincerely believed the Cold War would come to an end.