14 DAY TRIAL // Snowden’s situation in Russia remains unclear as he has yet to file a request for asylum and he doesn’t seem to want to respect the conditions set by Vladimir Putin.
“He 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,” Vladimir Putin says, RT reports.
Putin also mentions that Snowden has been trapped on the Russian airport because of the United States authorities’ interference. However, he will fly out at the earliest opportunity, especially since he has already stated that he intends to go to Latin America for asylum.
“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our American partners, in fact, blocked his further flight,” Putin said, referring to the fact that Snowden’s passport was revoked.
Despite his earlier statements that Russia will not extradite Snowden and they will not bend to the desires of the United States, it seems that the pressured made by the Obama administrations are starting to pay off.
Putin has changed his stance slightly, putting accent on the word “partner” when referring to the United States, ever since he first asked Snowden to stop hurting the U.S. if he wants to stay in Russia.
This previous weekend, U.S. officials have urged Obama to take any necessary steps to get Snowden from Russia, including economic pressures.
Putin also says that they have asked Snowden to stop his activity in order to not put strain on the relations between Russia and the United States, but he replied that he wants to continue publishing information about the NSA programs in order to fight for human rights.
However, Putin mentions that Russia would not budge on this issue and they have no desire to help Snowden as long as he keeps publishing information.