Putin bemused about Snowden's plight

Former US spy agency contractor Edward Snowden has applied for temporary asylum in Russia after three weeks holed up at a Moscow airport trying to avoid prosecution in the United States, reports ITV News.

On Monday,Russian President Vladimir Putin indirectly addressed Edward Snowden's renewed request for political asylum in Russia, noting that the former National Security Agency contractor appears to be "trapped" in Russia. But, he added, he and Mr. Snowden are in agreement about about one important matter: he really shouldn't stay in Russia any longer than he needs to, says Christian Science Monitor.

Speaking to students at a summer archeology camp on Gogland island near St. Petersburg, the Russian president seemed bemused as he described Snowden's plight, informs Los Angeles Times.