Mikhail Gorbachev

The West is trying to impose its own model of development on us. But we have our own path.

I believe in the socialist idea. I believe it has a great future.

The collapse of the Soviet Union was a real tragedy for me.

Some people say that I destroyed the Soviet Union. But I was trying to save it.

Russia needs democracy, but it needs a strong state as well.

I am not afraid of anything. I have lived my life honestly.

The world is on the verge of a new Cold War. We must stop this.

The responsibility for the current situation in Ukraine lies with both sides.

I support Putin in his efforts to restore Russia's greatness.

The United States has become arrogant and self-confident. This is dangerous.

The world needs a new perestroika. A global perestroika.

I am optimistic about the future. But we must work hard for it.

The main lesson of my life is that one must never give up.

I am a man of my time. I did what I could.

Democracy is not anarchy. It is order and discipline.

The Party is not a debating club. It is a fighting organization.

We cannot build socialism with empty stomachs.

The process of perestroika is irreversible. There is no alternative.

The West should not gloat over the difficulties of Russia.

I have always been a supporter of the Union. I wanted to reform it, not destroy it.