Putin Gives Edward Snowden Russian Citizenship

According to state-run RIA Novosti and TASS, Putin has given Edward Snowden Russian citizenship, which will undoubtedly increase tensions.

Soon after Russia invaded Ukraine, some in the US media started to wonder, “Where is Edward Snowden? Whistleblower Silent Since Russia Invaded Ukraine  “- read one Newsweek headline from April. The NSA whistleblower became relatively quiet on Twitter as a result of the Ukraine offensive, which had undoubtedly put him in a very bad situation. He had been granted asylum by the Russian government ever since he escaped to their nation from Hong Kong in June 2013 since he had revealed the illegal bulk domestic spying by the NSA and US intelligence.

Snowden’s fate is the subject of a startling headline and fresh development that was released by Russian official media on Monday: “Putin signs decree granting Snowden Russian citizenship,” according to state-run RIA Novosti. Putin reportedly granted Edward Snowden Russian citizenship, according to TASS as well.

According to a presidential decree from the Russian president…

“In accordance with paragraph ‘a’ of Article 89 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, I decide: to accept the following persons in the citizenship of the Russian Federation: Edward Joseph Snowden, born June 21, 1983, in the United States of America.”

At a time when the two sides are edging closer to a direct confrontation and conflict in Ukraine, this is an incredibly significant development and a huge and significant thumbs-down from the Kremlin to Washington. The decree will undoubtedly increase tensions at a time when Washington is considering even more severe sanctions.

According to Russia’s Sputnik, “Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has also confirmed that Russian citizenship was granted to Snowden at the latter’s request.”