Former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman has been released from a Russian prison after four years in custody, ending a detention that came as his health was reportedly worsening at an alarming pace.
Gilman’s freedom was secured through negotiations led by President Donald Trump, after Russian President Vladimir Putin granted him a pardon on “humanitarian reasons” because of his poor medical condition.
Reports said Gilman had been experiencing a “dissociative stupor” for more than six weeks and was also battling a serious case of pneumonia.
Government officials confirmed to Our News Outlet that Gilman had been freed and that a State Department aircraft was dispatched to bring him home.
In an image first shared by Trump on Truth Social, Gilman appeared frail and severely underweight. The former Marine looked markedly weaker than he had in a photograph taken during a 2025 court appearance.
His relatives welcomed the development as they wait for him to return safely and receive medical care.
“I am so grateful to President Trump for saving my brother’s life,” his sister Lexie Hudson said in a statement. “There is no other reason that Robert is alive today other than that President Trump heard about the case and took action.”
Trump announced the release in a social media post, emphasizing that no prisoner swap with Russia was involved in securing Gilman’s freedom.
‘I just spoke to him, and he had one request — A GREAT cheeseburger when he lands. I will take care of that!’ Trump wrote, sharing an image of Gilman and his family on the plane.
Former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman returns from a Russian prison on a State Department plane with his mother Nancy and other family members
Former Marine Robert Gilman was released Tuesday for humanitarian reasons
A 2019 photo of Robert Gilman and his sister, Lexie Hudson
Trump singled out Special Envoy for Peace Missions, Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy for Hostage Response, Adam Boehler, Senior Director for Counterterrorism, Sebastian Gorka and his son-in-law Jared Kushner for their efforts.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio also confirmed the news on social media.
‘While we appreciate this positive step, we are still seeking the immediate return of all other unjustly detained Americans, including wrongful detainee Stephen Hubbard,’ he wrote.
Trump said the plane would first land at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, DC, on Tuesday evening.
Gilman will receive medical and psychological treatment at a military hospital in Texas, where he will be reunited with his family, according to Eric Lebson, chief strategy officer of Global Reach.
Gilman was traveling by train when he was arrested in 2022 for allegedly kicking a police officer while he was drunk, Russian state media reported at the time.
He was sentenced to three and a half years in prison, a sentence that was extended for allegedly assaulting guards and prison employees.
Last week, he was hospitalized in serious condition, prompting Trump officials to press for his release.
Gilman was sentenced in Russia for attacking a police officer and was accused of assaulting prison officials. He attended a court hearing in Voronezh, Russia October 7, 2024 (above)
Gilman in 2025 as he awaited a court hearing on his detainment
Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts said in a statement that Gilman was ‘wrongfully detained in Russia on questionable charges.’
‘While this news is deeply welcomed, it is long overdue,’ he said. ‘It is a tragedy that it took Robert’s near-death condition for his case to receive the attention that it required for his release to be negotiated.’
Five other Americans remain detained in Russia, Markey noted, and said the United States would continue pressing for their release.
‘I pray that Robert is able to recover from this nightmare and wish him and his family peace in the difficult days ahead.’
