In an interview on Sunday with ABC News‘ George Stephanopoulos, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that whistleblower Edward Snowden is more than welcome to come to Sochi for the Winter Olympics.
In the rare interview with the leader, Stephanopoulos asked Putin about the former United States defense contractor, who has been living in Russia since August.
“The most famous American in Russia is Edward Snowden,” Stephanopoulos said. “Is he invited to Sochi?”
Putin quipped back that President Barack Obama is the most renowned American in Russia, before responding seriously.
“Everybody is invited,” Putin said. “Mr. Snowden is subject to the treatment of provisional asylum here in Russia. He has a right to travel freely across the country. He has no special limitation. He can just buy a ticket and come here.”
Snowden fled the U.S. just last year after leaking that the National Security Agency had been monitoring the phone and Internet data of ordinary Americans. Although seen as a hero by some, Snowden is labeled as a traitor by others. On Tuesday, the New York Times reported that Snowden is to join the non-profit Freedom of the Press Foundation with other whistleblowers such as Daniel Ellsberg, the well-known leaker of the Pentagon Papers during the Vietnam War.
Obama recently announced his plan to reform the NSA, in an effort to prevent future leaks like that of Snowden.
During the ABC News interview, Stephanopoulos also asked Putin if he would like to make a bet with Obama on which nation would win the most medals, but Putin refused to make a wager.
“No, of course not,” said Putin. “Barack is a huge sports fan, and I can see it. He is in terrific shape and gives it enough of his attention — not just to playing, but promoting to sports.”
