Former US Marine Robert Gilman released from detention in Russia

Robert Gilman, a former U.S. Marine and American citizen, has been released from detention in Russia after spending years in captivity. The State Department confirmed his release on humanitarian grounds, highlighting President Trump's role and the efforts of Special Envoy Witkoff. This marks just one of over 100 Americans freed by the U.S. during President Trump's second term.

President Trump expressed his joy at Gilman's return, stating that he requested a great cheeseburger upon arrival. Gilman's sister, Lexie Hudson, expressed gratitude towards President Trump and Senator Ed Markey for their support. Gilman, now 32, was initially detained in 2022 for fighting with a Russian police officer at a train station.

He was later sentenced to four and a half years in a prison colony despite his family's denial of the charges and accusations of wrongful detention for political reasons. Gilman, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps and founded an English teaching organization, fell ill while visiting family in Moldova. He was recently diagnosed with a dissociative stupor and pneumonia. Sen. Markey emphasized the need for Gilman to receive life-saving care upon his return to the U.S.