Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has died aged 91

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has died aged 91

with Joe Biden leading tributes and calling him "a man of remarkable vision" who helped avert the prospect of nuclear war.

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has died aged 91

One of the most significant figures of the 20th century, Mr Gorbachev was known for ending the Cold War without bloodshed,

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has died aged 91

but failed to prevent the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has died aged 91

Mr Gorbachev's office earlier said that he was undergoing treatment at the Central Clinical Hospital in Moscow.

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has died aged 91

He died after a long illness, the hospital was quoted as saying by news agencies.

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has died aged 91

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his deepest condolences and said he would send an official telegram to his family, a Kremlin spokesman said.