US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden
has applied to Russia for political asylum, a Russian official says.
Foreign ministry consul Kim Shevchenko said the request was made on Sunday night. The Kremlin has made no comment.
The 30-year-old former CIA analyst is believed to be holed up in a Moscow airport hotel. He is wanted by the US.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow "never hands over anybody anywhere and has no intention of doing so".
"If [Snowden] wants to go somewhere and there are those who would take him, he is welcome to do so," he told a news conference.
"If he wants to stay here, there is one condition: He must stop his activities aimed at inflicting damage on our American partners, no matter how strange it may sound coming from my lips."
The US has not yet made any comment on the latest developments.
President Barack Obama, speaking earlier in Tanzania, said Washington and Moscow had held "high level" discussions about Mr Snowden.
Edward Snowden Applies For Asylum In Russia
has applied to Russia for political asylum, a Russian official says.
Foreign ministry consul Kim Shevchenko said the request was made on Sunday night. The Kremlin has made no comment.
The 30-year-old former CIA analyst is believed to be holed up in a Moscow airport hotel. He is wanted by the US.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow "never hands over anybody anywhere and has no intention of doing so".
"If [Snowden] wants to go somewhere and there are those who would take him, he is welcome to do so," he told a news conference.
"If he wants to stay here, there is one condition: He must stop his activities aimed at inflicting damage on our American partners, no matter how strange it may sound coming from my lips."
The US has not yet made any comment on the latest developments.
President Barack Obama, speaking earlier in Tanzania, said Washington and Moscow had held "high level" discussions about Mr Snowden.
Edward Snowden Applies For Asylum In Russia
Snowden applies for political asylum in Russia
Wanted whistleblower Edward Snowden has reportedly applied for political asylum in Russia