Russia frees former US Marine from prison
Photo: Robert Gilman in a courtroom in Russia (Russian media)
Russia has released former US Marine Robert Gilman, who had been imprisoned since 2022, following concerns over his health and calls from the United States for his release, Reuters reports.
According to US officials, Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to pardon Gilman based on humanitarian reasons. His release came after lengthy negotiations between US and Russian officials.
Trump confirms Gilman's release
US President Donald Trump also confirmed Gilman's release in his post on Truth Social. According to Trump, Russia agreed to release the American "on a humanitarian basis" following talks with Vladimir Putin.
Trump stressed that the United States did not hand over any prisoner to Russia in exchange for Gilman. The president also said Gilman was expected to arrive at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington in the evening, where US officials would meet him.
According to Trump, during their conversation, the released American asked for just one thing — "a great cheeseburger" after landing.
Gilman's health
The 32-year-old Gilman had been held in a prison in Voronezh, about 550 km from Moscow. In late June, he was transferred from a prison hospital to the psychiatric ward of a civilian emergency hospital.
A representative of Global Reach, which represents Gilman's family, previously said the American was in a condition resembling catatonia. His condition was described as a "dissociative stupor."
Ahead of his release, the White House and the US State Department repeatedly urged Moscow to free Gilman so that he could receive the necessary treatment in the United States.
However, after his release, a US official who spoke with Gilman said that he was walking and talking.
"All things considered, he seems to be in good shape," the official said.
During the flight, Gilman will be examined by four doctors. His mother, Nina, is also accompanying him on the State Department aircraft.
After arriving in Washington, Gilman is expected to be taken to a rehabilitation center in San Antonio, Texas.
Why Gilman was imprisoned
Robert Gilman served in the US Marine Corps from August 2019 to August 2020. In January 2022, he was arrested in Voronezh while traveling by train.
According to Russian state media, the American allegedly kicked a police officer while drunk.
Gilman's father, however, said the charges were fabricated. According to him, his son was feeling unwell during the incident and accidentally kicked the officer. The police officer was not injured and did not provide evidence in court.
Robert Gilman was sentenced to 4.5 years in prison.
How his release was secured
According to US officials, last week Russian official Yuri Ushakov informed representatives of Donald Trump's administration that Putin had agreed to pardon Gilman.
The release was the result of intensive negotiations between US and Russian officials that continued throughout the weekend.
The United States did not hand over any prisoner to Russia in exchange for the American's release.
"It's a goodwill gesture," one US official said.
Earlier, human rights advocates and Gilman's family had raised concerns over his deteriorating condition.
It was reported that the former US Marine might be on the verge of death, as he was unable to eat on his own and was receiving food and fluids through a feeding tube. His sister feared that her brother might not survive his imprisonment unless Russia released him so he could receive treatment in the United States.
