Edward Snowden will be allowed to stay in Russia for three more years.<br/> <br />His lawyer told reporters the former U.S. intelligence contractor has been granted a three-year residence permit allowing him to stay in Russia through July of 2017.<br/> <br />Snowden is wanted by the U.S. for leaking extensive secrets about the NSA's spying programs.<br/> <br />His lawyer says Snowden could apply for citizenship after living in Russia for five years, but that he has not yet decided what he wants to do.<br/> <br />SOUNDBITE: EDWARD SNOWDEN'S RUSSIAN LAWYER ANATOLY KUCHERENA, SAYING:<br/> <br />"Edward himself will take a decision on whether to stay (in Russia) and get Russian citizenship or leave for the United States in time."<br/> <br />Snowden's residency extension comes amid worsening relations between Russia and the West over the situation in Ukraine.
