The White House says it is "seeking clarity" from Russian authorities about the status of National Security Agency leaker Edward Snowden.

A state news agency in Russia said Wednesday that Snowden has been given a document allowing him to leave the transit zone of a Moscow airport. But Snowden's lawyer later said his client's asylum status has not been resolved and he will stay at the airport for now.

White House spokesman Jay Carney says the Obama administration has made clear to the Russians its desire to see Snowden returned to the U.S. to face espionage charges. Carney also had no updates on how Snowden's status would impact President Barack Obama's plans to travel to Russia in September.

Snowden has been marooned in the Moscow airport since June 23.