MOSCOW, RUSSIA — In a move which political analysts say is the most positive step for U.S.-Russia relations in years, the Russian government has announced their new ambassador to the U.S. will be technology expert Edward Snowden.

The announcement was made in Moscow by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Lavrov, flanked by Snowden, cited the 33-year-old's heroic work in bringing cyber espionage to the public's attention, while expressing hope that Snowden could ease tensions over Russia's alleged cyber interference in the U.S. election and its ties to the Trump administration.

Lavrov and Snowden were joined by U.S. Ambassador to Russia John Tefft, who presented Snowden with a token of thanks from the United States: a full and unconditional pardon from the U.S. Justice Department.