Russia frees former US Marine amid health fears

The United States has welcomed the release of former Marine Robert Gilman, who had been held in a Russian prison since 2022. President Donald Trump announced the decision on social media, stating that the release was made on humanitarian grounds due to Gilman's health concerns. Gilman, a teacher from Massachusetts, was serving a ten-year prison sentence for assaulting a police officer, with his sentence later extended for violence against prison staff.

Reports indicated that his health had been deteriorating, with he having been hospitalized multiple times. Trump affirmed that Russia had agreed to release Gilman unconditionally, without seeking anything in return. The NGO Global Reach had previously documented allegations of harsh and abusive treatment of Gilman while in prison.

Upon his arrival in the United States, Gilman will undergo medical and psychological assessments at a US military hospital in Texas. His sister expressed gratitude for his release, questioning the motives behind Russia's actions against her brother. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also acknowledged the release, emphasizing the ongoing efforts to secure the return of other unjustly detained Americans.