Russian President Vladimir Putin extended an offer of political asylum to former FBI Director James Comey, though perhaps in jest.

Russian President Vladimir Putin extended an offer of asylum to former FBI Director James Comey, though perhaps in jest. 
According to the Guardian, during a Thursday phone-in discussion with the people of his country, Putin said, “It sounds very strange when the head of the security services writes down a conversation with the commander-in-chief and then leaks it to the media through his friend. How, in that case, does he differ from [Edward] Snowden.” 
As such, Putin offered Comey the same protections Russia provided to Snowden, who is wanted in the U.S. for sharing sensitive government information. 
The Russian leader said, “If there is some kind of persecution, we would be ready to offer political asylum to Mr Comey if he is persecuted in the US." 
There has not, as of yet, been retaliation from the White House in regards to Comey’s recent testimony before the Senate Intelligence Committee and his sharing of details about conversations with President Trump. However, the president’s personal lawyer did indicate an intention to file a complaint against the former director.
The morning after Comey’s testimony last week, Trump tweeted, “Despite so many false statements and lies, total and complete vindication...and WOW, Comey is a leaker!”