By 1987 , the ethos of glasnost had spread through Soviet society : journalists were writing increasingly openly , many economic problems were being publicly revealed , and studies appeared that critically reassessed Soviet history . Gorbachev was broadly supportive , describing glasnost as " the crucial , irreplaceable weapon of perestroika " . He nevertheless insisted that people should use the newfound freedom responsibly , stating that journalists and writers should avoid " sensationalism " and be " completely objective " in their reporting . Nearly two hundred previously restricted Soviet films were publicly released , and a range of Western films were also made available . In 1989 , Soviet culpability for the 1940 Katyn massacre was finally revealed
Katyn massacre
Katyn massacre
Mikhail Gorbachev