American whistleblower Edward Snowden has defended his decision to accept Russian citizenship despite the criticism he has been subjected to, DPA reported.

"I am in Russia because the White House deliberately canceled my passport to keep me here," Snowden wrote on Twitter.

He also recalled the case of the forced landing in Vienna in 2013 of the then Bolivian President Evo Morales' plane.

It happened as Morales was returning from a visit to Russia, amid speculation that Snowden may be on board his plane.

President Vladimir Putin granted Russian citizenship to the former US National Security Agency official in September.

Snowden received a Russian passport last week, his lawyer Anatoly Kucherena said.

The 39-year-old American has repeatedly made it clear that he was forced to apply for asylum in Russia because he was at risk of being extradited to the United States if he went to another country.

Putin gave Snowden Russian citizenship

On Friday, State Department spokesman Ned Price said Snowden has long shown allegiance to Russia.

His Russian citizenship will only cement his status, Price added.

Edward Snowden received his Russian passport

Snowden has repeatedly assured that he is not cooperating with the Russian authorities.

In 2020, a son was born to the American in Russia, who automatically received Russian citizenship, BTA reports.

Edward Snowden