History’s bookends: Putin reversed many Gorbachev reforms

[phkrause]

NEW YORK (AP) — One stood for freedom, openness, peace and closer ties with the outside world. The other is jailing critics, muzzling journalists, pushing his country deeper into isolation and waging Europe’s bloodiest conflict since World War II.

https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-mikhail-gorbachev-nato-716fbcf9308c0bfda7518a320b01ebf0?

[phkrause]

Covering Gorbachev: AP remembers his wit, wisdom, warmth

When news hit that Mikhail Gorbachev had died at age 91, Associated Press journalists around the world began sharing their “Gorby” stories from covering the last Soviet leader or interviewing him in Russia or abroad in the three decades that followed. They remember his temper and sense of humor, his sharp intellect even in his later years, when he was willing to talk at length about his hopes and his regrets.

https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-mikhail-gorbachev-africa-soviet-union-931e2fe20d065e31ad12082129589593?