Robert Gilman, a former United States Marine, was released from Russian custody on Tuesday after spending 1,666 days in detention.
Former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman, 32, was arrested in January 2022 in Voronezh while traveling by train and was detained for allegedly kicking a police officer while drunk. However, his father wrote that the charges were false—his son had fallen ill when the incident occurred and accidentally kicked the officer, who was uninjured and dropped the charges.
Gilman was sentenced to 4-1/2 years in jail, but his sentence was extended in 2024 following further convictions for assaulting prison officials and a state investigator, eventually totaling 10 years.
The situation became critical in recent weeks. About 50 days ago, Gilman was diagnosed with a "dissociative stupor—a condition where he is non-responsive and unable to interact or eat," and also suffered severe pneumonia. Russian authorities had allegedly subjected Gilman to mistreatment, including harassment, forced exercise sessions lasting up to 16 hours and the administration of psychotropic drugs.
Release:
Today, Moscow freed Gilman after Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a pardon on humanitarian grounds. Trump stated that "Russia asked for no one in return" and that Gilman requested "a great cheeseburger when he lands".
President Donald Trump announced the release, stating he was "proud to announce that American citizen Robert Gilman, a former Marine, is coming home." Trump said he discussed the matter with Russian President Vladimir Putin and that the release was conducted "on a humanitarian basis" without a prisoner exchange. According to Trump, upon landing in the United States, Gilman requested one thing: "a great hamburger."
Gilman's family expressed gratitude to Trump and Senator Ed Markey for their efforts to secure his freedom. His sister, Lexi Hudson, said: "I am forever grateful to President Trump for saving my brother's life. There is no other reason Robert is alive today except that Trump heard about the case and took action."
Gilman was transferred from prison to a civilian hospital in Voronezh at the end of June. He is now expected to undergo comprehensive medical evaluations upon his return to the United States and continue his recovery at a military hospital in Texas.
