15 Jul 2013 19:44

Putin: U.S. has locked Snowden in Russia, scaring other countries

GOGLAND ISLAND, Leningrad region. July 15 (Interfax) - The U.S. has actually locked former CIA contractor Edward Snowden in Russia by not allowing other countries to clear his transit flight over their territory, said President Vladimir Putin.

"He arrived on our territory without an invitation. Russia was not his destination. He was a transit passenger flying to other countries. The moment news arrived that he was in midair, our American partners actually blocked his further movement," Putin told students.

"In fact, the U.S. itself scared other countries into denying entry to Snowden and actually locked him on our territory," he said.