The ex-US spy agency contractor, who had been stuck in Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport for almost six weeks due to a diplomatic dispute between Russia and the United States, finally left the airport on Thursday. Edward Snowden, who is wanted by the US for leaking classified information on surveillance programs, now has asylum in Russia for a year, with the possibility of renewal annually. Former Russian intelligence officers warn that Snowden may face difficulties as previous defectors have, with a lifetime of internal stress. Snowden is not the first NSA employee to defect to Moscow, with past defectors William Martin and Bernon Mitchell facing disillusionment with life in the Soviet Union. Similar stories of struggle and disillusionment have been seen in high-profile British defectors like Kim Philby and Guy Burgess. Despite the end of the Cold War, the challenges faced by defectors seem to remain unchanged. Snowden is being used as a tool for propaganda by the Kremlin, who frequently criticizes Washington for promoting human rights overseas while not practicing them domestically. According to media expert Anna Kachkayeva, Snowden is now seen as a political figure and a pawn rather than an individual. She describes him as a potential threat that may be saved for a future purpose, such as appearing on television. 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 protecting him was the right thing to do. A survey conducted by independent pollster Levada revealed that 43 percent of Russians support the decision to harbour Snowden, while 29 percent oppose it. Snowden has also received a marriage proposal from former Russian spy Anna Chapman and a job offer from a Russian social networking site. Russian lawyer Anatoly Kucherena, who is assisting Snowden, mentioned that he has received letters from others interested in hiring Snowden, ensuring that he will have job opportunities in Russia. He mentioned that there is a possibility of him having his own television show, but the Kremlin has not shown any interest in making Snowden a television star. Julian Assange has already used Russian state television to criticize the United States. Snowden will be staying with American expatriates who support him, and his father, along with a US lawyer and other friends, will soon join him to provide moral support. However, Snowden's value to Russia may diminish as the political situation changes. 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 compared to his expectations. Glenny believes that Snowden may encounter obstacles in participating in the activities he desires.