The National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden has spoken out in his first interview with an American television network. NBC aired an hour-long interview with Snowden Wednesday night conducted by anchor Brian Williams in Moscow last week. Snowden told Williams he believes his disclosures of mass surveillance had helped his country rather than caused harm.

Edward Snowden: “We’ve had the first open federal court to ever review these programs to declare it likely unconstitutional and Orwellian. And now you see Congress agreeing that mass surveillance, bulk collection, needs to end. With all of these things happening, that the government agrees, all the way up to the president, again, make us stronger, how can it be said that I did not serve my government? How can it be said that this harmed the country when all three branches of government have made reforms as a result of it?”

The first of Snowden’s disclosures were revealed one year ago next week. In his interview, Snowden blamed the State Department for forcing him to remain in Russia after revoking his passport.

Brian Williams: “What are you doing in Russia?”

Edward Snowden: “All right, so this is a really fair concern. I personally am surprised that I ended up here. The reality is I never intended to end up in Russia. I had a flight booked to Cuba, onwards to Latin America, and I was stopped because the United States government decided to revoke my passport and trap me in the Moscow airport. So, when people ask, 'Why are you in Russia?' I say, 'Please, ask the State Department.'”