Robert Gilman’s Return to the U.S. After Russian Imprisonment
Former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman is heading back to the United States, finishing over four years spent in a Russian prison. President Donald Trump announced his release, emphasizing that it was based on humanitarian reasons, not part of a prisoner swap.
Gilman had been in detention since 2022. Trump’s statement on Truth Social noted that after discussions with President Vladimir Putin, Russia approved Gilman’s release without any conditions or exchanges.
“We appreciate this decision and the fact that Russia did not ask anyone in return and nothing was exchanged,” Trump highlighted.
Gilman is expected to arrive at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, D.C., on Tuesday night.
Reports indicate that he faced physical and mental hardships during his imprisonment, including a coma incident in June that nearly led to his death, as shared by his sister and various advocacy groups.
Russian state media reported that Gilman was arrested in January 2022, accused of assaulting a police officer while intoxicated. Subsequently, he was sentenced to four and a half years in prison.
In an editorial from 2024, his father, a Russian immigrant residing in the U.S., claimed that the charges were fabricated. He stated Robert was unwell during the incident and unintentionally bumped into an officer, who opted not to press charges.
Further complicating matters, Gilman was convicted of another offense for allegedly assaulting a prison guard, which extended his sentence.
In a social media update, Trump shared a photo of Gilman aboard an aircraft flanked by his mother, Nancy, and others. In this image, Gilman, wrapped in the American flag, appeared visibly unwell.
Upon reaching American soil, Gilman had one simple wish.
“I talked to him and he had one request,” Trump recounted. “When he lands, we have a great cheeseburger, and I’ll be in charge of that!”
Trump reiterated that prioritizing the return of Americans detained abroad remains a key focus for his administration, noting that his team has managed to resolve hundreds of similar situations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio celebrated Gilman’s release, mentioning that over 100 Americans have returned home since Trump began his second term.
“Thank you to Russia for working with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to free Mr. Gilman and ensure he gets the treatment he needs here in the United States,” Rubio expressed.
However, Rubio recognized that other Americans are still unjustly held overseas and affirmed a continuing commitment from his administration to seek their freedom.
