Gorbachev expressed condolences to the Bonner family. The Russian authorities did not respond to her death

Ex-President of the USSR Mikhail Gorbachev expressed condolences to the relatives and friends of Elena Bonner in connection with her death . “I express my sincere condolences to the relatives and friends of this wonderful woman, an outstanding public figure, human rights activist, wife and ally Andrei Dmitrievich Sakharov,” said Gorbachev’s telegram, a copy of the press service of Gorbachev-Fund, Interfax reports.

Note that for all Sunday, not a single official in Russia has yet expressed condolences.

Gorbachev noted that Bonner "was the support and most faithful friend of Andrei Sakharov, she divided all the hardships and hardships that fell to his share."

"The Union Bonner and Sakharov will forever remain an example of great love and fidelity to the general ideals," the telegram says.

Gorbachev notes that "Elena Georgievna was a noble person who left a deep mark in the memory of people in Russia and in the world." “Until the end of her life, she remained a courageous fighter for human rights and dignity. She sincerely loved Russia, defended her homeland on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War. She passionately wanted to see Russia with free, democratic, prosperous - for this she lived,” Gorbachev wrote.

The President of the USSR notes that "Bonner always respected and highly appreciated." “We often argued, but I felt her support, and over the years, mutual understanding between us grew. I always treated her judgments and assessments with special attention, and I am deeply experiencing the departure of Elena Georgievna as a personal loss,” Gorbachev noted.

He is sure that "the bright memory of Elena Georgievna Bonner will remain forever."