Ex-Marine released and returning to US from Russian prison

On Tuesday, Russia released Robert Gilman, a former US Marine who had been incarcerated for over four years on disputed allegations. The 32-year-old had been living as a teacher in Russia when he was first detained in 2022, accused of assaulting a police officer after being removed from a train for causing a disturbance. He was subsequently charged with additional violent offenses while in custody, resulting in a sentence of roughly ten years.

The release came as a humanitarian gesture, according to both US President Donald Trump and the State Department. Trump announced the news on his Truth Social platform, including a photo depicting Gilman, his mother, and others on a plane holding an American flag. The State Department's Secretary of State Marco Rubio also acknowledged Russia's efforts, emphasizing the appeal of the release and the upcoming medical assessment for Gilman in the United States.

Gilman's sister, Lexie Hudson, expressed gratitude for President Trump's intervention, stating that his advocacy played a crucial role in securing her brother's life. She also thanked Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey for leading advocacy efforts in Congress.

The Russian authorities had reportedly subjected Gilman to physical abuse, forced medication, and provocations during his detention, causing him to enter a dissociative stupor for 47 days. His mother had traveled to Russia to secure his release, as the situation had been worsening. Senator Markey highlighted the suffering Gilman endured at the hands of Russian officials, emphasizing that his near-death condition prompted the negotiation for his release.

While the release marked a positive step for Gilman, the US continues to seek the immediate return of all unjustly detained Americans, including wrongful detainee Stephen Hubbard. The senator reiterated that President Trump would not stop until all unjustly detained Americans are brought home.