Former US Marine Robert Gilman, 32, is on his way home after being released from a Russian penal colony where he had been imprisoned since 2022. His family had feared he would die soon after years of alleged physical and psychological torture.
Release on Humanitarian Grounds
Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Russia agreed to release Gilman after his discussions with President Vladimir Putin, stating: 'After my discussions with President Vladimir Putin, Russia has agreed to release him, very much on a Humanitarian Basis.' He added: 'We appreciate this decision, and the fact that Russia asked for no one in return — No exchange took place.'
The Kremlin confirmed that Gilman was released for 'humanitarian reasons'. Trump has reportedly spoken with Gilman and his family, telling reporters that the former Marine requested a 'great cheeseburger' when he returns to the United States.
Medical Care and Background
CNN reported that Gilman will likely receive medical care at a military hospital in Texas. He is currently receiving treatment on a specialised medical plane until he reaches American soil.
Gilman was detained in early 2022 after officials claimed he was drunk and got into an 'altercation' with a police officer. He denied this but was sentenced to four and a half years in prison.
Gilman is one of several Americans imprisoned in Russia. In 2024, a prisoner swap released Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, ex-US Marine Paul Whelan, and radio journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, along with opposition figure Vladimir Kara-Murza, in one of the biggest exchanges since the Cold War.
