Russia frees ex-US Marine Robert Gilman after family warned he was ‘on the verge of death’
Putin grants Gilman humanitarian pardon after more than four years in Russian custody; Trump says no prisoner exchange took place and shares a photo of the visibly thin former Marine flying home with his mother
U.S. Marine Robert Gilman was released from a Russian prison on Tuesday after more than four years in custody, following warnings from his family that his health had deteriorated significantly. The 32-year-old was jailed in 2022 for allegedly assaulting a police officer while intoxicated. Russian President Vladimir Putin pardoned Gilman on humanitarian grounds, according to U.S. officials.
The release came just days after his family expressed concern over his condition, stating that he was nearing death. President Donald Trump announced Gilman's release via social media, highlighting the humanitarian basis of the decision. He praised Russia for not seeking any exchange in return for Gilman's freedom. Gilman's mother, Nancy, was traveling with him on the flight from Russia to Washington, D.C., where he is expected to meet with administration representatives.
U.S. officials confirmed that Gilman was being flown home on a State Department aircraft and would be met by special envoy Steve Witkoff. American organizations that had been advocating for Gilman's release were relieved to hear of his health improvement since his return.
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