Robert Gilman, a 32-year-old former US Marine who had been held in Russia since January 2022, was released from detention on Tuesday. Multiple officials confirmed that the release was granted on humanitarian grounds amid significant concerns regarding his deteriorating health. President Donald Trump announced the development, noting that he had spoken with Gilman and secured his release following direct discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
In a post on Truth Social, President Trump stated that Russia agreed to the release on a humanitarian basis and confirmed that no prisoner exchange took place. According to a US official, President Putin officially approved a pardon for Gilman. Kirill Dmitriev, a Kremlin special envoy and head of the Russian sovereign wealth fund, also confirmed the release was conducted for humanitarian reasons.
Gilman is currently being transported to the United States on a specialized medical plane and is expected to arrive at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, DC, on Tuesday. He is accompanied by his mother, who had traveled to Russia in an effort to see him. A source familiar with the situation described Gilman as being verbal but non-ambulatory. Upon his arrival, he is expected to be transferred to a US military hospital in Texas for comprehensive medical and psychological assessment and treatment.
Advocates and family members had expressed grave concerns in recent weeks, with Eric Lebson, chief strategy officer of Global Reach, reporting that Gilman had fallen into a “dissociative stupor” and was feared to be “near death” after allegedly enduring physical and psychological torture. President Trump mentioned that during their conversation, Gilman’s only request was for a “GREAT cheeseburger” upon his return to the United States.
The circumstances of Gilman’s 2022 arrest remain a point of contention. Russian authorities alleged that he was intoxicated and engaged in an altercation with a police officer. However, Lebson has disputed this account, asserting that Gilman was struck by police, became ill, and accidentally kicked the officer during the encounter. Gilman was subsequently sentenced to four and a half years in prison.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the news of Gilman’s release while emphasizing that the administration remains focused on securing the return of other Americans considered wrongfully detained in Russia, including Stephen Hubbard. The State Department has officially designated Gilman as wrongfully detained. Gilman’s sister, Lexie Hudson, publicly thanked President Trump for his intervention, stating that her brother is alive today because the president took action on the case.
Gilman joins a list of other former US Marines who have been detained in Russia, such as Trevor Reed and Paul Whelan. As of Tuesday, numerous other American citizens remain in Russian custody, including Andre Khachatoorian, Olga Jezler, Chuck Zimmerman, David Barnes, and Aleksander Antonov. Officials expressed hope that this release might serve as a positive development for the status of other Americans currently held in the country. The report also notes that a State Department spokesperson last week echoed that they were “deeply concerned” about his “health and continued detention in Russia.”. The report also notes that lebson said Tuesday that “it is too early to know Robert’s long-term medical prognosis.”. The report also notes that i haven’t been able to speak with him once since this all began,” Hudson said. The report also notes that it is unclear when Trump and Putin spoke about the case. The report also notes that after he lands back in the DC area, Gilman will likely head to a US military hospital in Texas, Global Reach said, “where he will be medically and psychologically assessed and treated.” Many Americans who have been designated as “wrongful detainees” have been treated at a military facility there after release. The report also notes that “I am looking forward to seeing Robert. The report also notes that “We will make sure that he gets the treatment and support that he needs.”. The report also notes that frederik Pleitgen and Aileen Graef contributed to this report.
