Snowden voices hope for returning to U.S.

(Xinhua) -- Fugitive U.S. whistleblower Edward Snowden said Saturday that he is craving to go back home after over two years in exile in Russia.

During a video link with the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York, the former U.S. National Security Agency's contractor said he has already thought of the worst results from the very beginning.

"If I could return back home, no matter what happens to me, it is not important. I can stand all the things," he said. "I never choose to stay in Moscow. I would rather return to my homeland."

In late February, Snowden said in a video link with supporters in New Hampshire that he was willing to be extradited back home if the U.S. government would guarantee him a fair trial.

Snowden faces three felony charges in the United States, including espionage, after he disclosed a classified U.S. intelligence project code-named PRISM in June 2013.

He has obtained a refugee status in Russia since August 2013 and currently holds a Russian residential permit valid for three years. But the status will be canceled once Snowden leaves Russia.

The United States and Russia have been at odds over Snowden's extradition, which Moscow has repeatedly resisted citing the absence of relevant bilateral agreements.

Earlier this month, U.S. Republican front-runner Donald Trump said during a presidential debate that Snowden is a "spy," and Russia needs to "send him back immediately."

The Kremlin in response dismissed the comments, saying Moscow has not changed its stance since granting the whistleblower asylum.