Edward Snowden, a former officer with the Central Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency, has been granted a Russian passport. His lawyer, Anatoly Kucherena, confirmed the development.
“Edward obtained citizenship in the Russian Federation yesterday and took the oath in line with the law”, the lawyer stated. Snowden’s spouse is also in the process of applying for Russian citizenship, with documents being gathered for the application. Kucherena suggested the process should move quickly.
Journalists pressed the lawyer for Snowden’s reaction to becoming a Russian citizen.
“He is pleased to become a full citizen of the Russian Federation. He expresses gratitude to Russia for welcoming him. An important point is that extradition to another country is no longer a concern under the Russian Constitution”, Kucherena explained. He added that Snowden appeared to be in good spirits.
Snowden also asked for privacy and noted that the stability of his life after naturalization would benefit his family.
“After years of waiting and nearly a decade in exile, a bit of stability will help my family. I hope for privacy for them and for all of us”, he said.
The United States Perspective
Snowden was granted Russian citizenship on September 26, with the naturalization decree signed by President Vladimir Putin. He had previously received an indefinite residence permit in October 2020 and had expressed plans to pursue citizenship together with his wife. Snowden and his partner, Lindsey Mills, were married in a Russian civil registry in 2017.
He has stated that he would retain U.S. citizenship and intends to raise his child with an upbringing that reflects American values, including the freedom of expression.
U.S. Official Response
Following the naturalization, the U.S. State Department spokesperson noted that Washington’s position remains unchanged. The spokesperson stated that Snowden should return to the United States to face the justice system like any American citizen. There was mention that Snowden could be called upon to participate in military activities in Ukraine, a scenario denied by Snowden’s lawyer. The lawyer clarified that Snowden does not fall under conscription since he did not serve in the Russian armed forces.
Background and Context
In 2013, Snowden, then an employee of the National Security Agency, disclosed confidential information to reporters about global surveillance practices by American intelligence agencies. The reports revealed that the secret service had monitored the communications of numerous leaders and officials around the world for an extended period. After the disclosures, Snowden left the United States and sought asylum, eventually finding refuge in Russia after spending time in Hong Kong. He reportedly applied for asylum in dozens of countries, but many declined, citing concerns about potential U.S. sanctions. Snowden faces legal penalties that could include substantial prison time for espionage and the alleged misappropriation of government property.