Fugitive US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden is being manipulated by Russian authorities, the former director of the US National Security Agency reportedly said earlier today, adding that he believed the leaks would cost lives. General Keith Alexander, who retired in March, told the Australian Financial Review that Russia would be looking to capitalise on the fact that Snowden´s leaks had been so disruptive and damaging to the US.
“I think he is now being manipulated by Russian intelligence. I just don´t know when that exactly started or how deep it runs,” Alexander said.
“I suspect Russian intelligence are driving what he does,” he added.
“Understand as well that they´re only going to let him do those things that benefit Russia, or stand to help improve Snowden´s credibility. They´re not going to do things that would hurt themselves.”
