The father of fugitive former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor Edward Snowden has thanked President Vladimir Putin and Russia for helping his son, in a first interview aired on Wednesday, July 31, according to RIA Novosti.

Lonnie Snowden told state-owned Rossiya 24 television he was grateful to Putin and the Russian government for their “courage” and “strength” in protecting his son, who has been holed up in Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport since arriving from Hong Kong on June 23.

He said FBI officials had previously asked him to fly to Moscow to see his son a few weeks ago. He said in remarks translated into Russian that he might still decide to go to Moscow to meet his son.

Edward Snowden, who is wanted by the United States for leaking classified data about the NSA’s intelligence gathering operations, requested temporary asylum in Russia earlier this month. Russian officials have not yet issued him with a document that would allow him to leave the airport’s transit zone.

Lonnie Snowden said in his interview that his son should stay where it is safe for him.

“I hope to see you soon. But most of all I want you to be safe," he said. “I hope you are watching this… Your family is well. We love you," he added.

He said that he did not expect his son would have a fair trial if he returns to the United States.