Release of Marine veteran from Russian custody turns focus to other detainees with health concerns

Robert Gilman, a Marine veteran, was released from Russian custody this month after spending more than four years in jail. His release sparked discussions about other Americans held in Russia who are dealing with health concerns. Gilman's appearance, gaunt and sickly, has raised concerns about the care he received while imprisoned.

Among the detainees still in Russian custody are a Navy veteran with gastrointestinal issues, a man with an autoimmune disease, another with severe dental damage, and Olga Jezler, the wife of another detained American, who has endometriosis. These individuals are receiving what family members and advocates describe as subpar medical care, prompting calls for their swift release.

The State Department acknowledges these concerns and continues to raise them with Russian authorities. However, former detainees like Paul Whelan have noted the poor conditions in Russian prisons, including the lack of proper first aid kits and substandard dental care. Whelan was released in a 2024 prisoner swap. The medical care of Russian prisoners has been a long-standing issue, with notable cases like the 2009 death of Sergei Magnitsky and the recent case of Trevor Reed, who also faced severe health problems before his release.