Snowden’s situation in Russia is becoming ever more uncertain and even Vladimir Putin isn’t quite sure according to RT.com. Vladimir Putin stated that:
“He [Edward Snowden] is familiar with the conditions of granting political asylum, and judging by the latest statements, is shifting his position. The situation is not clear now”
Putin also responded to strong anti-Russian rhetoric coming out of the USA stating that the the USA’s actions are the reason behind why Snowden is now trapped in Russia.
“He arrived on our territory without an invitation, he was not flying to us – he was flying in transit to other countries. As soon as he got in the air it became known and our American partners, in fact, blocked his further flight”
Putin already stated that Snowden could have asylum if he stopped “hurting the USA” yet it remains to be seen whether Snowden has agreed to such terms which would essentially prevent him from revealing any more details from the leaked material he acquired. One U.S official has already called on the Obama administration to use “any and all pressure” necessary to bring Snowden back for trial including economic sanctions on Russia. While it seems unlikely the USA would go that far, there is no doubt that Russia wouldn’t respond favourable to such threats.
Image courtesy of Aim.org
