Ex-US marine Robert Gilman freed from Russian jail on 'humanitarian basis'

Former US marine Robert Gilman, who was imprisoned in Russia since 2022, has been released on humanitarian grounds, according to Donald Trump. The 32-year-old received a pardon from Russian President Vladimir Putin and was transported to Washington DC. Concerns about Gilman's health had been growing, as he was found in a catatonic-like state by medics.

Russia released Gilman on humanitarian grounds, without any exchange, as reported by the White House and State Department. Gilman, who served in the US Marines from 2019 to 2020, was arrested in Voronezh for allegedly kicking a police officer while intoxicated. However, his father claimed the charges were false, stating that Gilman had fallen ill and accidentally kicked the officer.

Gilman was sentenced to four and a half years in prison but was released due to intense negotiations between US and Russian officials. The US did not exchange any prisoners for his release. After arriving in Washington DC, Gilman will be evaluated by four doctors and potentially flown to a rehabilitation center in San Antonio for medical treatment.