UNEXPECTED GIFT FOR MOSCOW

Among the reasons for not repatriating Snowden was that no extradition treaty exists between Moscow and Washington, although Russia has been calling for years to sign one.

Meanwhile, even if the two countries have such a treaty, Moscow can still not extradite Snowden, Russian experts say.

"Usually, professional moles, if uncovered, are exchanged on the parity basis," said Vladimir Zharikhin, a member of the National Strategy Council.

"But Snowden is by no means a mole. Legally speaking, he is not a subject for extradition even if the readmission treaty exists," he added.

Moscow was obviously aware of that, by repeating those claims it demonstrated to the world that Russia could be a responsible global leader that is not afraid to annoy the United States, the expert said.

Russia's authority in world affairs has increased tremendously following the Snowden affair.

"Snowden later has helped Russian diplomacy in Syrian and Iranian problems. Russia has become a real counterweight to the U.S. hegemony," said Sergei Markov, director of Institute for Political Research, calling Snowden an unexpected gift for Moscow.

USED UP MATERIAL?

Asylum for Snowden has boosted Russia's international profile. However, Moscow did not intend to worsen ties with the United States, with President Vladimir Putin barring Snowden from harming U.S. interests as the precondition for asylum.

Markov believed that Moscow wanted to get rid of Snowden, speculating that "Moscow and Washington may even have worked out some secret plan."

That logic makes sense as Snowden has reportedly asked for asylum in Brazil as his legal stay in Russia expires on July 31, 2014.

Experts said Snowden's move testified to Russia's compliance with the promise not to allow harm to his home country and showed Snowden's resolution to carry on his fight against the government, indicating that he "is not welcomed"

"He is a used up material and his value depreciates day by day unless he finds a new, reliable harbor," said Yevseyev of the Russian Academy of Science.

The long winter in Russia might be the last one for the 30-year-old American. (Xinhua employee Igor Serebryany also contributed to this story.)