Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has confirmed that the Russian president had arrived in Austria. The wedding ceremony was postponed as Putin has come later than expected, according to the broadcaster. The ceremony was initially set to start at 2 p.m local time (12:00 GMT).
The Russian leader has presented flowers to the Austrian foreign minister and brought an ensemble of Don Cossacks, who will perform several songs at the wedding.
Putin is in Austria for a wedding pic.twitter.com/CLrHfL1arI
— Russian Market (@russian_market) August 18, 2018
According to the broadcaster Oe24, Putin traveled from the airport to the wedding ceremony by helicopter. The Russian president was invited by Kneissl to be present at the event during his latest visit to Vienna on June 5.
Later on Saturday, Kneissl will marry businessman Wolfgang Meilinger in a ceremony at the local Gasthaus Tscheppe restaurant.
READ MORE: Austrian Chef Hopes to Take Selfie With Putin During Foreign Minister's Wedding
The Austrian Foreign Ministry earlier noted that Putin's arrival would be considered a working visit, and the security measures would be similar to those typically applied during a visit of a foreign head of state. It has also said that Russia would cover the costs of Putin's visit.