Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attend Mikhail Gorbachev’s funeral because of his “work schedule”, the Kremlin has said.

Gorbachev, the last Soviet leader and one of the most significant figures of the 20th century, will be laid to rest on Saturday.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the ceremony will have “elements” of a state funeral, including a guard of honour, and the government was helping with the organisation.

Mr Peskov said Mr Putin had paid his respects on Thursday morning by visiting and laying a wreath at the Central Clinical Hospital in Moscow, where Mr Gorbachev died on Tuesday.

However, he confirmed the president will not be attending the funeral.

Mr Peskov said: “Unfortunately, the president’s work schedule will not allow him to do this on 3 September, so he decided to do it today.”

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