Video: Why Lithuania didn’t join the tributes to Mikhail Gorbachev

European leaders marked the loss of life of Mikhail Gorbachev, the final chief of the Soviet Union who’s right this moment credited with steering Russia away from communism and in direction of liberalism.

“Mikhail Gorbachev was a trusted and revered chief. He performed an important position to finish the Chilly Struggle and produce down the Iron Curtain,” stated European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen.

“This legacy is one we won’t neglect.”

Von der Leyen’s phrases had been echoed throughout Western Europe, with tributes shortly pouring in from Berlin, Paris, London, Rome, Madrid, Brussels, Amsterdam and Vienna.

However in Vilnius, the response was totally different.

“Lithuanians won’t glorify Gorbachev,” stated Gabrielius Landsbergis, Lithuania’s overseas affairs minister.

“We are going to always remember the easy undeniable fact that his military murdered civilians to extend his regime’s occupation of our nation.”

Landsbergis appeared to refer to the tragic occasions of January 1991, which nonetheless resonate throughout Lithuania. That month represented a turning level within the Baltic nation’s historical past and its lengthy quest for freedom.

Watch the video above to study what occurred in January 1991.