Russia Frees US Marine Robert Gilman After Trump Intervention

Russia has released Robert Gilman, a former US Marine who had been imprisoned in the country since 2022 and whose health had reportedly deteriorated to a life-threatening condition. President Donald Trump announced the release on Tuesday, saying it came about through his personal discussions with President Vladimir Putin and was made entirely on humanitarian grounds, with no prisoner swap involved.

Who Is Robert Gilman?

Gilman, 32, served in the US Marines from August 2019 to August 2020. He was arrested in Russia in January 2022, allegedly for kicking a police officer while drunk on a train to Moscow. He was initially sentenced to three and a half years in prison, then received additional time after being convicted of assaulting prison guards — an allegation he disputed.

His family and advocates say conditions inside the Russian prison were extremely harsh. Eric Lebson of advocacy group Global Reach told CBS News that Gilman was subjected to forced exercise sessions lasting up to 16 hours and was administered psychotropic drugs. At one point he required a feeding tube after his health collapsed.

State of His Health

Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts stated that approximately 50 days before his release, Gilman had been diagnosed with a dissociative stupor — a condition in which he became non-responsive and unable to eat or interact. His family described his health as being in a life-threatening condition, saying he had been subjected to harsh and abusive treatment during his time in Russian custody.

He was moved from the prison to a civilian hospital in Russia before ultimately being released. Trump confirmed on Tuesday that Gilman was already on a flight back to the United States, accompanied by his mother, doctors, and members of the administration. He is expected to be assessed and treated at a US military hospital in Texas.

Family's Reaction

His sister Lexi Hudson said the Russians treated her brother so badly, hurting him for no reason other than that he was both an American and a Marine. She expressed gratitude to Trump and also credited Senator Markey for helping secure the release. World news agencies have confirmed Gilman's safe return to US custody.