Edward Snowden now a Russian citizen after swearing allegiance to Putin

While many Russians wish they could swap out their passport for one from a different nation, American Edward Snowden is happy to have become a citizen of the country.

According to Snowden's lawyer, he received his Russian passport on December 2, 2022, after he swore an oath of allegiance to Russia, the country that has been keeping him out of the reach of US authorities since 2013.

According to The Guardian, Snowden's lawyer, Anatoly Kucherena, said Snowden was pleased to have Russian citizenship, preventing him from being extradited.

"He of course is happy and thankful to the Russian Federation for his citizenship – he's now a fully fledged citizen of Russia," Kucherena said.

"And most importantly, under the Russian constitution, he cannot be given up to a foreign state," Kucherena added.

Snowden was granted Russian citizenship in September after an order was signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Snowden had to swear allegiance to the country to receive his passport.

Under Russian law, people who receive Russian citizenship must pledge to "observe the constitution and legislation of the Russian Federation, the rights and freedoms of its citizens, to fulfil the duties of a citizen of the Russian Federation for the benefit of the state and society, to protect the freedom and independence of the Russian Federation, to be loyal to Russia, [and] to respect its culture, history and traditions".

Edward Snowden lives in Russia with his wife, Lindsay Mills, at an undisclosed location, along with their two children, both born there.
Various media outlets have reported that Mills is also seeking Russian citizenship.

When he was granted citizenship in September, Snowden wrote on Twitter: "After years of separation from our parents, my wife and I have no desire to be separated from our sons."

Snowden continued, "After two years of waiting and nearly 10 years of exile, a little stability will make a difference for my family. I pray for privacy for them – and for us all."

Edward Snowden, 39, went from being a computer intelligence consultant to a wanted man in 2013 after he leaked highly classified information from the American National Security Agency.

When the United States Department of Justice unsealed espionage charges against Snowden and revoked his passport in July 2013, he flew to Russia seeking asylum.

After spending nearly one month in the airport terminal in Russia, Snowden was granted a visa to stay in the country.

When asked about the actions that led to the espionage charges, Snowden claims that he was acting in the interest of the United States.

The information revealed by Snowden exposed the span of American digital spying programs and changed the American public's perception of technology and digital security.

Ned Price, a state department spokesman, told the press in Washington that the United States was not surprised about Snowden's devotion to Russia.

Photo: YouTube, The Guardian

"Mr Snowden has long signalled his allegiance to Russia. This step would only formalise that," Ned Price told the press.

Image: YouTube, MSNBC