The former US spy agency contractor, Edward Snowden, finally departed from Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on Thursday after being confined to its transit zone for nearly six weeks amidst a diplomatic battle between Russia and the United States over his future. Snowden, wanted by the US for leaking classified information about Internet and phone surveillance programs, now begins a new chapter in his life with a one-year asylum document that can be renewed annually. Former Russian intelligence officers warn that Snowden may face challenges ahead, citing past defections as examples. Despite his freedom in the transit zone, life as a defector can be difficult, as shown by historical cases such as NSA cryptologists William Martin and Bernon Mitchell who defected to the Soviet Union during the Cold War. British defectors like Kim Philby and Guy Burgess faced struggles and hardships after defecting, while George Blake seems to have had a more successful exile. The Cold War may be over, but the challenges for defectors remain the same. Snowden is seen as a valuable propaganda tool by the Kremlin, who frequently criticizes Washington for promoting human rights abroad while not practicing them at home. According to media expert Anna Kachkayeva, Snowden is no longer in control of his own actions and is now a political figure and a pawn. She describes him as a potential threat that may be used for a specific purpose and showcased on television, or perhaps not. The decision by the Kremlin to provide shelter to Snowden has been well-received by the Russian public. Many believe he is not a traitor and that Russia did the right thing by protecting him. A survey showed that 43 percent of Russians support harboring Snowden, while 29 percent are against it. Snowden has also received a marriage proposal from former Russian spy Anna Chapman and a job offer from a Russian social networking site. Anatoly Kucherena, a Russian lawyer assisting Snowden, has received letters from others seeking to hire him, ensuring that Snowden will have employment opportunities. "He mentioned to Reuters that it is possible that he will have his own TV show. The Kremlin has not shown any interest in making Snowden a television star, but Russian state television has already provided a platform for Julian Assange of Wikileaks to criticize the United States. Snowden will be staying with American expatriates who support his actions, and Kucherena plans to bring over Snowden's father, Lonnie, a US lawyer, and other friends for moral support. However, Snowden's value to Russia may decrease over time due to the changing political environment. According to ex-KGB officer Korolkov, defectors like Snowden bring knowledge, skills, and abilities with them, but this information can become outdated and lose its value. Some experts believe that Snowden may have traded some of his freedom for security in Russia." Misha Glenny, a British author specializing in Internet security and eastern Europe, suggested that Edward Snowden may be disappointed by Russia and find it challenging to participate in certain activities he wants to pursue.