Vladimir Putin says Edward Snowden in Moscow, rejects US demands

MOSCOW: Edward Snowden won't be extradited to the US and remains in the transit zone of a Moscow airport two days after the former security contractor arrived from Hong Kong, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

Russia was "completely surprised" by Snowden's arrival and can't hand him over to the US because the two nations don't have an extradition treaty, Putin told reporters on Tuesday near Turku, Finland. The country's security agencies "didn't work and aren't working" with Snowden and any accusations against Russia are "drivel and nonsense," he said.

Russia has refused to assist in attempts to apprehend Snowden as American intelligence agencies mount an investigation into a possible role by China in his leaks. Snowden, who arrived in the Russian capital on a commercial flight on June 23, chose his route independently, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told reporters in Moscow, adding there's "no legal justification" for US demands to extradite him.

The disclosure ends the speculation over Snowden's whereabouts after he missed Monday's flight to Havana for which he had booked tickets on OAO Aeroflot. Putin has tried to douse a diplomatic showdown with the US after Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday warned Russia and China of "consequences" for their actions.

"I hope it won't affect the business-like nature of our relations with the US," Putin said. "I hope our partners will understand."

Kerry said on Tuesday the US isn't seeking a "confrontation" with Russia over the issue even as he reiterated American determination to gain custody of Snowden. Kerry made an appeal for "calm and reasonableness," reacting to what he called a "strong statement" by Lavrov.

"They certainly can allow him to be subject to the laws of our land," Kerry said of Russia during a joint briefing in Jeddah with Saudi Foreign Minister Saud Al-Faisal. "That's what we call on them to do."