Former US Marine Robert Gilman released from detention in Russia

Administration Former US Marine Robert Gilman released from detention in Russia Comments: by Finya Swai - 08/11/26 1:45 PM ET Comments: Link copied by Finya Swai - 08/11/26 1:45 PM ET Comments: Link copied

NOW PLAYING

A former U.S. Marine who spent more than four years imprisoned in Russia has been released on humanitarian grounds and is on his way back to the U.S., the Trump administration announced Tuesday.

Robert Gilman, a U.S. citizen who was arrested in Russia in January 2022 and imprisoned for 1,666 days was released after his health deteriorated while in custody and his condition became life-threatening, according to reports from hospital officials received by the U.S. government.

Trump said Russia agreed to release Gilman on a “humanitarian basis” following discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and did not seek the release of a Russian prisoner in return.

“We appreciate this decision, and the fact that Russia asked for no one in return — No exchange took place,” the president wrote on Truth Social.

Gilman is expected to arrive at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington, D.C., on Tuesday night, according to Trump. His mother, Nancy, has reunited with him and is accompanying him on the flight home.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanked Russia for working with special envoy Steve Witkoff to secure Gilman’s return and allow him to receive proper medical care in his home country.

“Today, after more than four years of detention in Russia, Robert Gilman is on his way home to be reunited with his family,” Rubio said in a statement. “Mr. Gilman joins over 100 Americans whom President Trump has freed during his second term in office.”

Gilman was arrested in the southwestern Russian city of Voronezh on Jan. 17, 2022, shortly before Russia invaded Ukraine. He was accused of assaulting a police officer who had removed him from a train for allegedly causing a disturbance.

He was convicted and sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison, which was subsequently extended following several other assault convictions involving Russian prison officials.

Concerns about his health increased after he was transferred from a prison hospital to a civilian hospital in Voronezh on June 30. Hospital officials described his condition as “dire and life-threatening,” according to Global Reach, a nonprofit that has worked with Gilman’s family.

The group said Gilman’s rapidly worsening condition prompted the U.S. government to intervene and ultimately resulted in a humanitarian release by Russian authorities.

“I am so grateful to President Trump for saving my brother’s life,” Gilman’s sister, Lexie Hudson, said in a statement. “There is no other reason that Robert is alive today other than that President Trump heard about the case and took action.”

Add as preferred source on Google Tags Donald Trump Donald Trump Marco Rubio Marco Rubio russia Trump administration Vladimir Putin Vladimir Putin

Comments: Link copied