Four thoughts came to mind:
1) It must have gotten caught up in Red tape.
2) If he sent the application by email, they could just ask the NSA for a backup copy.
3) The Russian official missed a great opportunity. Could have answered, "Not nyet.'
4) With Snowden still stuck at airport, I wonder if Steven Spielberg can sue for copyright infringement from The Terminal?
Note to self. Idea for new PBS TV series. "Where in the World is Edward Snowden?"