US urges Russia to return fugitive Edward Snowden

The US has criticised Russia and China after fugitive Edward Snowden left Hong Kong for Moscow.

Mr Snowden, who has applied for asylum in Ecuador, is believed to still be in Russia having flown there on Sunday.

White House spokesman Jay Carney said he would expect Russia to expel Mr Snowden given the countries' cooperation after the Boston marathon bombings.

He also said he did not believe Hong Kong's reasons for letting him leave and the manner of departure would "unquestionably impact" on America's relations with China.