The ex-US spy agency contractor, who was stuck in Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport for nearly six weeks, has finally left after a diplomatic battle over his fate between Russia and the United States. Snowden, wanted by Washington for leaking details of surveillance programs, now begins his new life with asylum that can be renewed annually. Former Russian intelligence officers warn that life may not be easy for Snowden, as past defections have shown. Precedents indicate that defectors face internal stress for a long time. Snowden is not the first NSA employee to defect to Moscow, with past defectors facing challenges and disillusionment. The fate of high-profile British defectors also serves as a cautionary tale, with some struggling in exile while others have done well. The Cold War may be over, but the challenges faced by defectors remain the same. Snowden is seen as a valuable asset for the Kremlin, who frequently criticizes the US for promoting human rights internationally while not following them domestically. According to media expert Anna Kachkayeva, Snowden is no longer in control of his own fate and is being used as a political tool. She describes him as a potential threat that could be used for a specific purpose, such as appearing on television. The decision of the Kremlin to provide shelter to Snowden has been positively received by the Russian public. A Moscow resident named Ivan expressed support for Snowden, stating that he does not view him as a traitor. Yevgeny, a resident of St. Petersburg, also agreed, criticizing the actions of the Americans and believing that Snowden spoke the truth and deserved protection. A survey conducted by independent pollster Levada revealed that 43 percent of Russians support the decision to harbor Snowden, while 29 percent are against it. Snowden has received a marriage proposal from former Russian spy Anna Chapman via Twitter, as well as a job offer from a Russian social networking site. Anatoly Kucherena, a Russian lawyer assisting Snowden, mentioned that there are others interested in hiring Snowden, ensuring that he will have employment opportunities. "He said that it is possible that he will have his own TV show," he told Reuters. The Kremlin has not shown any interest in turning Snowden into a television celebrity. However, Russian state television has provided a platform for Julian Assange, the founder of Wikileaks, to criticize the United States. Kucherena stated that Snowden will be staying with American expatriates who support his leaks for now, and he plans to bring Snowden's father, Lonnie, a US lawyer, and other friends for moral support. Despite this, Snowden is at risk due to the unpredictable political environment and his value to Russia may decline over time. Korolkov, a former KGB officer, noted that defectors' worth lies in their knowledge and skills, which can become outdated. Some experts believe that Snowden may have sacrificed some of his freedom for security in Russia. Misha Glenny, a British author specializing in Internet security and eastern Europe, expressed his belief that Russia may not be as attractive to Snowden as he had initially thought. Glenny suggested that Snowden could encounter challenges in carrying out the activities he hopes to pursue in Russia.