- Robert Gilman, a former US Marine, was released from Russian detention after nearly four years following a Putin-approved pardon on humanitarian grounds.
- Gilman arrived in the US on a State Department plane at Joint Base Andrews on Tuesday night, where he was welcomed back by representatives of former President Trump.
- No exchange took place for Gilman's release, as confirmed by Trump, who stated that Russia asked for no one in return.
- Gilman was arrested in January 2022 after an altercation with a police officer, which Russian officials alleged was due to him being drunk.
- Initially sentenced to 3.5 years in prison, Gilman's sentence was extended multiple times due to further convictions, ultimately reaching 10 years.
- In early July, Gilman fell into a dissociative stupor and was moved to a civilian hospital, where he was reportedly in a life-threatening condition.
Former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman was released from a Russian prison on humanitarian grounds after nearly four years of detention, during which he faced severe health issues.1
President Trump announced the release, stating, "Russia asked for no one in return. No exchange took place."3
Gilman, 32, was initially sentenced to 3 1/2 years for beating a police officer in 2022, but his sentence was extended multiple times due to additional charges, including assaults on prison staff.
His family expressed gratitude for Trump's intervention, with Gilman's sister Lexie Hudson stating, "There is no other reason that Robert is alive today other than that President Trump heard about the case and took action."
Gilman was reportedly in a life-threatening condition, described as near catatonic, before his release.
He is currently being transported back to the U.S. on a specialized medical plane, where he will receive treatment at a military hospital in Texas.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the release but emphasized the need for the return of all unjustly detained Americans.
Gilman's case highlights the ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of detainees in Russia, with advocates urging continued efforts for the release of others wrongfully held.
Trump noted that Gilman had one request upon his return: "A GREAT cheeseburger when he lands."
“Gilman, 32, was in a dissociative stupor for 47 days and had been on a feeding tube, with his family fearing he could die. His sister credited Trump for saving his life, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted the administration still seeks the return of other detained Americans like Stephen Hubbard.”
CBS News
The Boston Globe
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