Former KGB Maj. Gen. Oleg Kalugin said NSA leaker Edward Snowden is now working for Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) as a consultant or technical adviser.
“These days, the Russians are very pleased with the gifts Edward Snowden has given them. He’s busy doing something. He is not just idling his way through life,” the former general told the technology website Venture Beat. “The FSB are now his hosts, and they are taking care of him.”
The 80-year-old former spy — who was the youngest KGB general in history at age 34 — now lives in Maryland after falling out of favor with the Russians in the 90s, Venture Beat reported. He told the news outlet that Mr. Snowden has given Russia its biggest “intelligence haul” and “propaganda coup” since the end of the Cold War.
Asked if Mr. Snowden is guilty of treason, he replied, “Of course he is, by American standards. Snowden is a traitor. … When someone changes sides and goes over to the other side, it’s a victory.”
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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