Former National Security Agency officer Edward Snowden, living in Russia since June 2013, keeps himself busy with his work, by learning the Russian language, and traveling the country, Kucherena told RIA Novosti on Wednesday.
"Snowden has been in Russia for two years now. For him and for ourselves this experience has not been easy…He feels himself more or less normal here, although the more I come to know him, the more I see that he remains a true patriot of the United States, finding very important everything that is happening in America today," Kucherena noted.
The lawyer explained that life in Russia differs from that in the US, and that Snowden found it particularly difficult to adapt at first. "But now it has become easier, since his girlfriend visits him often. He works hard. He is satisfied with his work. He also travels a lot, and continues to study the Russian language, which has not been an easy undertaking for him."
Kucherena noted that Snowden's parents may once again come to visit him, and that he continues to communicate with them; last year his father came to visit.
The US has accused Snowden of the theft and unauthorized distribution of classified information to third parties, a felony under the US Espionage Act.
