Oslo 31 August 2022

Statement by the Norwegian Nobel Committee on the passing away of Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev

The Norwegian Nobel Committee is deeply saddened by the passing away of Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev, the last President of the former Soviet Union and the winner of the 1990 Nobel Peace Prize. Mr. Gorbachev was awarded the prize for his leading role in the process which led to the peaceful ending of the Cold War.

When announcing the prize in October 1990, the Committee emphasized Mr. Gorbachev’s many and decisive contributions to that process, including important arms control and international trust-building initiatives.

Finally, the Committee honoured him for bringing about greater openness in Soviet society and allowing the people of Eastern Europe to regain their freedom.