Edward Snowden, once a CIA analyst, has taken steps to fully embrace Russian citizenship. On Thursday, Vladimir Putin reportedly received the passport or national identity document for the Russian citizen who was granted citizenship last year, according to the information provided by his lawyer, Anatoli Kucherena, on Friday.
According to Kucherena, Snowden officially received the passport of a Russian citizen the previous day and completed the oath required by law. The lawyer added that Snowden is happy and grateful for the citizenship granted by Russia. He emphasized that, under the Russian Constitution, Snowden now holds a status that makes it impossible for him to be transferred to another country.
Snowden, who was 39 at the time of this development, had already sought political asylum in Russia in 2013 and began the process of Russian citizenship in late 2020. His public stance on Russia’s actions in Ukraine remained reserved during this period.
Snowden’s permanent residence status in Russia was established in 2020, and he has ties within the country that include his personal life and ongoing professional engagements. He and his partner, Lindsay Mills, have been part of Snowden’s life as they navigated the complexities of residency and family life while he pursued citizenship. The process of birth and family life under Russian law also plays a role in the broader narrative of residency and citizenship.
Under Russian law, citizenship is often acquired through a combination of residency, legal processes, and, in certain cases, family circumstances. The pathways to holding a Russian passport include meeting specific criteria, completing requisite procedures, and affirming a commitment to the duties and responsibilities that accompany citizenship.
Historically, Snowden’s situation has drawn intense scrutiny, given his prior role as a Central Intelligence Agency analyst and his subsequent disclosures about U.S. surveillance programs. His actions led to accusations related to espionage and shaped a long-running international debate about privacy, security, and governmental power. The discussion surrounding his status has thus become part of a larger conversation about accountability, whistleblowing, and the avenues available to individuals who expose state activity.
Since arriving in Russia, Snowden has engaged in a combination of writing and public discourse. He has authored books and provided commentary through video conferences on topics related to information technology, cybersecurity risk, and the evolving threats facing digital societies. This ongoing activity reflects a sustained emphasis on transparency, digital rights, and the protection of civil liberties in an era of rapid technological change.