Russia releases former US Marine reported in poor health

President Donald Trump announced that a US Marine, who was held in a Russian prison in a severely poor health condition, has been released. The Marine, identified as Gilman, was reportedly in a life-threatening condition due to harsh and abusive treatment by the Russians. The release of Gilman was facilitated through humanitarian grounds, without any prisoner swap, according to Trump's statement on Truth Social.

Gilman was arrested in 2022 for kicking a police officer while intoxicated on a train to Moscow and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. He was recently moved from prison to a civilian hospital in Russia after experiencing a catatonic-like state. His family revealed that Gilman's health was in dire straits, leading to his admission into a Russian hospital.

His sister, Lexi Hudson, expressed gratitude towards President Trump and Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey for their roles in securing her brother's release. Markey mentioned that approximately 50 days before Gilman's release, he was diagnosed with a dissociative stupor, a condition where he is non-responsive and unable to interact or eat.

The abuse Gilman faced in Russian confinement was severe, including forced exercise sessions lasting up to 16 hours and the administration of psychotropic drugs, as per Eric Lebson, who advocated for Gilman's release. Five other Americans, including Gilman, remain detained in Russia with various medical issues, according to Lebson.