Robert Gilman, a 32-year-old former U.S. Marine detained in Russia for more than four years, was released on humanitarian grounds and flown toward the United States. President Donald Trump said he spoke with Vladimir Putin and that Russia requested no exchange for Gilman's release. Gilman, who was diagnosed with a dissociative stupor and suffered severe pneumonia, will be evaluated at Joint Base Andrews before transfer to a U.S. military hospital in Texas. Advocates say his condition and alleged mistreatment in custody prompted U.S. intervention.
Former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman Released From Russian Detention, En Route Home
A U.S. Marine waits for U.S. President Donald Trump on June 1 at Joint Base Andrews, Md. Russia has released Robert Gilman, a former U.S. Marine detained in 2022, and Gilman is expected to arrive Tuesday at the base. Photo by Samuel Corum/UPI
Robert Gilman, a 32-year-old former U.S. Marine, was released from detention in Russia and was flown toward the United States on Tuesday after more than four years behind bars, UPI reported.
U.S. President Donald Trump said in a social media post that he discussed Gilman's case with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who agreed to free Gilman on humanitarian grounds. Trump added that Russia asked for no exchange in return.
"We appreciate this decision, and the fact that Russia asked for no one in return -- no exchange took place," Trump wrote, adding that Gilman's first request on landing was "a GREAT cheeseburger."
Gilman was expected to arrive later Tuesday at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, D.C., and then be transported to a U.S. military hospital in Texas for medical evaluation and treatment, Global Reach — the advocacy group representing his family — told UPI.
Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), whose office has assisted Gilman's family, said Gilman was diagnosed roughly 50 days earlier with a "dissociative stupor," a condition in which a person is largely non‑responsive and unable to interact or eat. Markey added that Gilman had been essentially catatonic and was also battling a severe case of pneumonia; the full extent and long‑term impact of his condition remain unclear.
Russian authorities in the southwestern city of Voronezh arrested Gilman on Jan. 17, 2022, accusing him of beating a police officer. He was initially sentenced to three-and-a-half years; that term was later extended multiple times to a 10‑year sentence amid allegations that he attacked prison guards — charges his supporters deny.
On June 30, Gilman was transferred from a prison hospital to a civilian hospital in Voronezh, where officials described his condition as "dire and life‑threatening," according to Global Reach. The group said that his critical condition prompted U.S. officials to act to secure his release on humanitarian grounds.
Gilman's family — including his mother, who traveled to Russia to try to see him in hospital — were flown to Texas to meet him upon arrival. In a statement, his sister Lexie Hudson thanked President Trump and accused Russian authorities of mistreating her brother: "They hurt him for no reason, other than that he was both an American and a Marine," she said.
Sen. Markey welcomed the release but called it overdue, saying Gilman's near‑death condition was what finally drew enough attention to secure his exit. He also alleged that during detention Gilman had been subjected to physical abuse, forced medication and other provocations by Russian authorities, which contributed to his precarious state.
Gilman is one of at least 10 U.S. citizens known to be imprisoned in Russia.
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