The democratic choice Russian people made in the early 90's is final.
The demise of the Soviet Union was the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century.
Nobody thought the Soviet Union would collapse; it was a shock for everyone.
Gorbachev's legacy is that he called time on communism, partially against his will, but in fact, he finished it off. Without violence. Without bloodshed. Beyond that, I am struggling to think of much else in terms of real legacy.
I didn't believe that the Soviet Union would ever break down.
Russia also declared its independence. This was approved by the Supreme Soviet, and you know and remember that there was the Declaration on the Independence of Russia.
Ladies and gentlemen, communism didn't fall. It was pushed.
When the USSR collapsed, I was 11, and unlike many people, I don't miss it.
The most noticeable thing about the Soviet collapse was that it followed a natural course.
