Former United States Marine Robert Gilman is currently en route back to the US following his release from imprisonment in Russia. US President Donald Trump announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin approved the release on humanitarian grounds. Gilman, who was reportedly held in a hospital psychiatric ward, is said to be in poor health.
According to President Trump, Moscow did not request a prisoner exchange for Gilman, who was scheduled to arrive at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, D.C., on Tuesday evening. Trump shared on Truth Social that he had spoken with Gilman, noting that the former Marine requested a cheeseburger upon his arrival, a request the President promised to fulfill.
Gilman was initially detained in 2022 after being accused of assaulting a police officer during an incident on a train in Voronezh, located south of Moscow. He was originally sentenced to four and a half years, but that term was later extended to 10 years following allegations that he had attacked prison staff. US Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts stated that Gilman was diagnosed with a "dissociative stupor" approximately 50 days ago, adding that he had become "non-responsive," was "essentially catatonic," and suffered from a severe case of pneumonia.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed gratitude to Russia for coordinating with special envoy Steve Witkoff to secure the release, which he noted will allow Gilman to receive necessary medical treatment in the United States. While describing the release as a "positive step," Rubio emphasized that the Trump administration remains committed to seeking the "immediate return of all other unjustly detained Americans." He stated that the President will continue these efforts until all such individuals are home.
Gilman is one of several Americans currently detained in Russia. Other individuals held in the country include Army Staff Sergeant Gordon Black and Stephen Hubbard, who has been designated by the State Department as a "wrongful detainee."
