The president of the Slovenia Russia Association, Aleksander Geržina, confirmed that the ceremony will be held on the last Saturday of July. Despite the fact that the event traditionally takes place on the last Sunday of July, which this year falls on the 31st of July, this year the ceremony will be held on the 30th of July. Unofficially the change comes because of Putin’s other obligations on the 31st of July.

Pahor sent an official invitation in March
On the 14th of March Slovenian President Borut Pahor sent an invitation to Russian President Putin to attend the Russian Chapel ceremony. Putin confirmed his attendance in telephone conversation on the 26th of April.

In the invitation Pahor wrote that although they hold "different views" on certain issues, it "additionally encourages the need for dialogue". "Apart from cherishing tradition and respect for the dead, this too is why I attribute significance to your attendance at the memorial ceremony and our meeting," wrote Pahor to his Russian colleague in the invitation letter.

This will be Putin’s third official visit to Slovenia.

G. C.; translated by K. J.