The government in Moscow has decided to allow Tibet's exiled spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, to visit Russia, despite objections from China.
He will go to the western Kalmykia republic, where about half of the residents are Buddhists.
Today's announcement from the Russian Foreign Ministry says the trip will be for religious purposes only, and that Moscow views Tibet as an inalienable part of China.
Beijing objected to the trip, saying the Dalai Lama uses religion to disguise separatist activities.
The Tibetan spiritual leader has said he will go to Russia on Sunday.