Russia releases former US Marine Robert Gilman in 'humanitarian' move, Trump says
Former United States Marine Robert Gilman, detained in Russia since 2022, has been released and is returning to the US, President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump said the release came after discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and was carried out on a humanitarian basis, with no prisoner swap involved.
Gilman, a resident of Massachusetts, was arrested in 2022 after an alleged incident aboard a train in which he reportedly kicked a police officer. His family has maintained that he received harsh and abusive treatment while in Russian custody, and his health had deteriorated significantly. The family said in a statement that his condition had become life-threatening, with reports indicating he had slipped into a catatonic-like state shortly before his transfer from prison to a civilian hospital in Russia.
According to the US administration, Gilman was on a flight back to the United States accompanied by his mother, medical personnel, and administration officials. He is expected to arrive early Wednesday morning at a military hospital in Texas, where he will undergo comprehensive medical evaluation and treatment.
Trump said he spoke with Gilman by phone during the journey. He quoted Gilman as requesting 'a great cheeseburger' upon landing, adding that he would take care of it. The President also highlighted his administration's record on bringing home Americans detained abroad, stating that 'we have prioritised bringing home Americans detained abroad, and have done so at a level never seen before.'
Gilman's sister, Lexi Hudson, expressed gratitude for her brother's release, saying in a statement: 'The Russians treated my brother so badly. They hurt him for no reason, other than that he was both an American and a Marine. I am so grateful to President Trump for saving my brother's life.' She also credited Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey with helping to secure the release.
Senator Markey, a Democrat, confirmed his involvement and provided additional details about Gilman's medical condition. In a statement, Markey said that approximately 50 days ago, Gilman was diagnosed with a dissociative stupor, a condition in which a person is non-responsive and unable to interact or eat. Markey's office had been in contact with the State Department and other agencies on Gilman's behalf.
The release comes amid ongoing tensions between Washington and Moscow, with several American citizens still detained in Russia on various charges. In recent years, the two countries have engaged in occasional prisoner exchanges, though the US has repeatedly called for the release of all Americans held in Russian custody. The White House has not provided details on the circumstances of Gilman's release beyond Trump's statement.
Gilman's case had drawn attention from lawmakers and advocacy groups concerned about the treatment of US citizens in Russian prisons. His family expressed relief at his return and asked for privacy as he receives medical care. The incident on the train, which led to his arrest, remains a point of legal and diplomatic contention, but the focus now is on his recovery and reintegration.
The US State Department has not yet issued a formal statement, but officials have confirmed that Gilman is on his way to the United States. The military hospital in Texas is expected to provide specialised care for his physical and psychological needs. This development marks a rare positive note in the often fraught relationship between the two nations, though the broader issues of detained Americans and diplomatic disputes remain unresolved.
