Russia releases ailing ex-US Marine after 4 years in prison

Russian authorities released former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman after four years in prison on humanitarian grounds, according to President Donald Trump. The 32-year-old English teacher, who served in the U.S. military, was initially detained in Voronezh, southwestern Russia in January 2022. Gilman was accused of attacking a police officer while intoxicated, a claim his family denies.

He was first sentenced to four and a half years, but this was later reduced by a year before being increased to an additional ten years in 2025 for three more alleged attacks, according to Interfax.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced the release on August 11, following talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The decision came after concerns about Gilman's health, as he was hospitalized in June with a serious medical condition. His mother, Nancy, and U.S. officials accompanied Gilman on a plane to Washington, D.C., where he will receive treatment in Texas. According to Trump, no prisoner exchange occurred, as Russia did not request one in return.

Eric Lebson, chief strategy officer for the Global Reach advocacy group, reported that Gilman was experiencing a dissociative stupor and had faced harsh and abusive treatment during his imprisonment. The U.S. government had appealed for Gilman's release, citing his deteriorating health. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed gratitude to Russia for facilitating the release and acknowledged the ongoing need to secure the return of all other unjustly detained Americans.