Robert Gilman was on "death's door" before Russia freed him, advocate says

Robert Gilman, a U.S. Marine veteran, spent over four years in Russian captivity before his recent release, according to Kieran Ramsey, a hostage crisis expert who advocated for his freedom. The 32-year-old teacher from Massachusetts is now recovering in Texas, where he faces a lengthy rehabilitation process, Ramsey stated. Gilman was taken by Russian authorities in 2022.

Last week, Global Reach's chief strategy officer, Eric Lebson, revealed that Gilman was placed in a Russian hospital in a dissociative stupor and was being fed through a tube. Lebson claimed that Gilman endured mistreatment, including harassment, forced exercise sessions, and the administration of psychotropic drugs, and was pressured to take part in conflicts in Ukraine.

However, CBS News has not independently confirmed these allegations. The U.S. State Department announced that the Trump administration had raised Gilman's case with Russian officials multiple times, requesting his release on humanitarian grounds due to his deteriorating health. Lebson emphasized that the situation with Gilman was unprecedented compared to any other American detained in Russia.

The State Department confirmed that the Trump administration had repeatedly expressed concern for Gilman's well-being to Russian officials. Ramsey added that there are currently 10 Americans detained in Russia and two others held in Iran.