Edward Snowden 'surprised' he ended up in Russia

This photo provided by The Guardian Newspaper in London shows Edward Snowden, who worked as a contract employee at the National Security Agency, on Sunday, June 9, 2013, in Hong Kong. The Guardian identified Snowden as a source for its reports on intelligence programs after he asked the newspaper to do so on Sunday. (AP Photo/The Guardian) AP Photo/The Guardian

Edward Snowden, the former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor that has been called a hero by some and a traitor by others for leaking classified US documents, says he didn't intend to make Russia his home when he hatched his plan.

Speaking to NBC News anchor Brian Williams in an interview to air on Wednesday night, Snowden said that he is "surprised" that he "ended up" in Russia, adding that he planned to go to Cuba and then to Latin America after he leaked classified documents.

Snowden has become a household name for leaking classified documents through the media on US spying activities. His revelations have shed light on a wide range of US spying activities, including the collection of supposedly private data, and have caused many to question the US government on its activities.

Snowden has proven to be a polarizing figure since he first started leaking information last year. He provided heaps of data on US spying activities that journalists at the Guardian and The New York Times have been combing through since their release. In some circles, Snowden is being called a heroic whistleblower for unveiling US spying activities. Others argue that he is a traitor that has put the US and its service personnel in danger.

After Snowden leaked the documents, he flew to Moscow, where he stayed in the airport until the country's president Vladimir Putin gave him safe haven. He told Williams in the interview, which was teased on Wednesday morning, that had the US not revoked his passport, he would have left Russia and continued on to one of several Latin American countries that have offered him asylum.

Speaking to NBC News about Snowden's comments, Secretary of State John Kerry said that his answer about not wanting to end up in Russia was "dumb," adding that if he'd really like to come back to the US, "we'll have him on a flight today."

The trouble for Snowden, however, is that he's considered a fugitive in the US. The US last year charged Snowden with espionage and has requested his extradition to the States -- a request Russia denied. If Snowden ever makes it back to the States, he would be charged on several counts and would need to defend his actions.

Snowden is expected to make his case for what he did and what his role has been and will be going forward in the ongoing leaks. According to NBC, Snowden will also put a spotlight on his work for the government and his activities while employed.

The full Snowden interview airs on Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET on NBC.