Russia has not invited Edward Snowden, and the American whistleblower is currently trapped in Moscow because the U. S. has revoked his passport and spooked other countries that could give him refuge, President Vladimir Putin has said

Addressing a group of students in Leningrad region, Putin said that Snowden arrived in Moscow as a transit passenger to other countries, but the revocation of his passport by the U. S. blocked him from further travel.

Speaking on the topic, Putin said, “He has arrived in our territory without invitation… they (the US authorities) scared off all other countries, so no one wants to accept him (Snowden). So, in effect, they've blocked him on our territory themselves.”

Putin declined to comment on Snowden’s future. He just said how he could predict anything about the 29-year-old whistleblower’s life and fate.

He, however, said that Snowden wanted to move to a permanent residence in some other country, and that he would leave Russia when opportunities would emerge. The president also hinted that the whistleblower could stay in Russia in case he did nothing to harm the U. S.

Last Friday, Snowden announced that he would apply for temporary asylum in Russia, while eventually hoping to seek refuge from U. S. espionage charges in South America.