The former US spy agency contractor finally departed Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport on Thursday after spending nearly six weeks confined to its transit zone while a diplomatic battle over his future unfolded between Russia and the United States. Snowden, wanted by Washington on espionage charges for leaking details of Internet and phone surveillance programs, now starts his new chapter equipped with an asylum document valid for a year and renewable annually. Former Russian intelligence officers warn that Snowden's journey will not be easy, citing past defections as examples of the challenges he may face. Snowden's freedom was limited to the transit zone, and he now enters a new phase of uncertainty. Other examples of high-profile defections, such as NSA cryptologists William Martin and Bernon Mitchell defecting to the Soviet Union in 1960, show the difficulties that defectors can encounter. Despite the end of the Cold War, the challenges and struggles faced by defectors remain unchanged. Snowden is being used as a propaganda tool by the Kremlin, who frequently criticizes the United States for not practicing what it preaches on human rights. According to media expert Anna Kachkayeva, Snowden is now a political figure and a pawn in a larger game. She describes him as a ticking time-bomb, speculating that he may be saved for a future purpose and possibly be put on television. The decision by the Kremlin to provide refuge to Snowden has been well received by the Russian public. Many Russians believe Snowden 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, stated that Snowden has received job offers and would not have trouble finding employment. "He mentioned that it is possible for him to have his own TV show," he told Reuters. The Kremlin has not shown any interest in making Snowden a TV star. However, Russian state TV has allowed Julian Assange from Wikileaks to criticize the US. Snowden will be staying with American expats who support his actions, according to Kucherena. He plans to bring Snowden's father, Lonnie, a US lawyer, and other friends to provide him with "moral support." Despite this, Snowden's value to Russia may decline due to the changing political climate. Korolkov, a former KGB officer, stated that defectors bring knowledge, skills, and abilities, but this information becomes less valuable over time. Some experts believe Snowden may have traded some of his freedom for security in Russia. Misha Glenny, a British author specializing in Internet security and eastern Europe, expressed the opinion that Edward Snowden might be disappointed by Russia and find it challenging to participate in the activities he desires.