A former U.S. Marine veteran who was held in Russia for more than four years on disputed charges has been released and is returning to the United States following direct diplomatic intervention. Robert Gilman, a 32-year-old teacher from Massachusetts, was granted a pardon by Russian President Vladimir Putin on “humanitarian basis” after concerns over his rapidly deteriorating health sparked urgent diplomatic talks between Washington and Moscow.
U.S. officials confirmed that Russia requested no prisoners or concessions in return, making the action a unilateral release rather than a traditional prisoner swap. A White House spokesperson said “thanks to the hard work of President Trump and Special Envoy Witkoff, Mr. Gilman joins over 100 Americans whom the United States has freed during President Trump’s second term in office. This Administration will continue to work for the release of all Americans unjustly detained in Russia, including wrongful detainee Stephen Hubbard.”
President Donald Trump officially announced the release on Truth Social, stating that Gilman was flying back to the United States accompanied by his mother and a team of U.S. officials. Upon arriving at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, Gilman is slated for immediate transport to a specialized military medical center in Texas for comprehensive physical and psychological evaluations. Trump wrote: “I am proud to announce that American Citizen Robert Gilman, a former United States Marine, is coming HOME! In a well known Media story, Robert was imprisoned in Russia in 2022, during the Biden Administration. After my discussions with President Vladimir Putin, Russia has agreed to release him, very much on a Humanitarian Basis. We appreciate this decision, and the fact that Russia asked for no one in return — No exchange took place. Robert will land at Andrews Air Force Base, in Washington, D.C., tonight, where my Representatives, some of whom are on the plane with him, will welcome Robert back to THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! I just spoke to him, and he had one request — A GREAT cheeseburger when he lands. I will take care of that! During my Administration, we have prioritized bringing home Americans Detained Abroad, and have done so at a level never seen before, returning hundreds of people to their families. We have also freed many non Americans who were under capture in different countries throughout the World. Robert Gilman has been reunited with his wonderful mother, Nancy, who is also on the plane with him, and will soon get to see all of his loved ones. Thank you to my incredible Team, including Special Envoy for Peace Missions, Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy for Hostage Response, Adam Boehler, Senior Director for Counterterrorism, Sebastian Gorka, Jared Kushner, and the many others who made this possible.”
Gilman originally entered Russian custody in January 2022 following an incident aboard a train in which authorities alleged he assaulted a law enforcement officer while intoxicated, an accusation his family and U.S. diplomats have consistently contested. Initially handed a three-and-a-half-year term, his incarceration was repeatedly prolonged after Russian prosecutors brought further charges alleging conflicts with correctional personnel, ultimately extending his total sentence to ten years.
The diplomatic breakthrough occurred after weeks of heightened concern regarding Gilman’s medical condition. Representatives from Global Reach, an advocacy organization aiding foreign detainees, noted that Gilman suffered severe physical deterioration and abuse during his imprisonment, including forced medication and extreme physical strain. After entering a catatonic-like state described as a “dissociative stupor,” Gilman was transferred from a correctional center to a civilian psychiatric facility in Voronezh, where hospital evaluations deemed his status dire and life-threatening.
Gilman’s sister Lexie Hudson said in a statement “I am so grateful to President Trump for saving my brother’s life. There is no other reason that Robert is alive today other than that President Trump heard about the case and took action. I am looking forward to seeing Robert. I haven’t been able to speak with him once since this all began. We will make sure that he gets the treatment and support that he needs.”
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