The Fugitive US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden applied Tuesday for temporary asylum in Russia, a pro-Kremlin lawyer said, after President Vladimir Putin accused Washington of "trapping" him in the country.

The Fugitive US intelligence leaker Edward Snowden applied Tuesday for temporary asylum in Russia, a pro-Kremlin lawyer said, after President Vladimir Putin accused Washington of "trapping" him in the country.

Snowden, wanted by the United States for revealing sensational details of its vast spying operations, is now spending a fourth week in the transit lounge at Moscow's Sheremetyevo airport as he is unable to cross the Russian border.

"The application has been filed with the Russian authorities" through the Federal Migration Service (FMS), said prominent lawyer Anatoly Kucherena, who has been in contact with Snowden.

In his application, Snowden expressed his fears and concerns about his safety in case he returns to his country, according to the lawyer.

"Snowden is concerned that torture or death penalty could be applied against him," Kucherena said.

"And under these circumstances, understanding his position and situation, the Federal Migration Service should of course accept his request," he added.

Putin said Monday that Snowden would leave Russia "as soon as he can" and accused Washington of "trapping" the American in Moscow, saying that no country wanted to take in Snowden due to US pressure.