Vladimir Putin yesterday sarcastically likened US fugitive Edward Snowden to an unwanted Christmas present in remarks that signalled the Russian president hoped to be rid of the now-stateless whistleblower.

Speaking to a group of students on an island in the Gulf of Finland, Mr Putin said Russia had never intended Mr Snowden, who has been ensconced in the transit zone of Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport since June, to remain in the country but that he became “trapped” because of US pressure on other states.

“He arrived on our territory without an invitation. Russia was not his destination,” said Mr Putin. “He was a transit passenger flying to other countries. The moment news arrived that he was in mid-air, our American partners actually blocked his further movement.