Russia frees seriously ill former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman without prisoner swap

In a surprising turn of events, Russia has released 32-year-old American citizen and former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman without any prisoner swap. The decision to pardon Gilman was made by Russian President Vladimir Putin, citing humanitarian reasons, as confirmed by U.S. officials. Although the Russian authorities had not publicly announced the pardon at the time, it was reported by Reuters on August 12.

Prior to his release, Gilman had been imprisoned in Russia since January 2022. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the news on his social media platform Truth Social, expressing pride in having helped bring back the former Marine. He was set to land at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., where representatives, including some from the U.S. administration, would welcome him. Gilman requested a cheeseburger upon his arrival, which the White House ensured would be provided.

Reports indicate that the United States did not hand over any prisoners to Russia in exchange for Gilman's release. Instead, the Russian decision was described as a "goodwill gesture" by a U.S. official. In late June, Gilman's condition had reportedly been critical, with an advocacy group stating that he resembled catatonia and was fed through a tube.

His original sentence was reduced to three and a half years before it was increased to ten years due to alleged attacks on Federal Penitentiary Service staff and an investigator.