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Arnold Ruutel, the former president of Estonia and a key figure in the country’s struggle for independence, has passed away at the age of 96, according to a statement from the Estonian president’s office.
Ruutel played a crucial role in Estonia’s path to reclaiming its sovereignty after decades of Soviet rule, especially as a communist party official during the late 1980s when the Soviet Union was on the verge of collapse. He later became a central figure in Estonia’s efforts to restore its independence, which was achieved in 1991.
Serving as president from 2001 to 2006, Ruutel was instrumental in Estonia’s integration into major international organizations, including the European Union and NATO in 2004.
In a statement, the presidency of Estonia honored Ruutel, calling him “one of the leaders of our independence.”
