Russia Releases Former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman After More Than Four Years in Detention
World
Russia has released former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman, who had been imprisoned there since 2022. U.S. officials said the decision was made on humanitarian grounds amid a serious deterioration in Gilman’s health.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Russian President Vladimir Putin approved Gilman’s release without requesting a prisoner exchange or other concessions from Washington. Following his release, Gilman traveled to the United States for further medical treatment.
Gilman was detained in Russia in 2022 following an incident on a train in Voronezh and was accused of assaulting a police officer. He was initially sentenced to four and a half years in prison. His sentence was later increased to 10 years following additional charges involving assaults on correctional officers.
Gilman’s health deteriorated sharply in June 2026, and he was transferred to the psychiatric ward of a civilian hospital. U.S. officials said he had entered a condition resembling catatonia and had suffered severe pneumonia.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanked Russia and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff for their role in securing Gilman’s release. Rubio said the Trump administration would continue efforts to secure the return of other Americans whom Washington considers to be wrongfully detained.
Gilman was detained in Russia in 2022 following an incident on a train in Voronezh and was accused of assaulting a police officer. He was initially sentenced to four and a half years in prison. His sentence was later increased to 10 years following additional charges involving assaults on correctional officers.
Gilman’s health deteriorated sharply in June 2026, and he was transferred to the psychiatric ward of a civilian hospital. U.S. officials said he had entered a condition resembling catatonia and had suffered severe pneumonia.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanked Russia and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff for their role in securing Gilman’s release. Rubio said the Trump administration would continue efforts to secure the return of other Americans whom Washington considers to be wrongfully detained.
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