US Marine Robert Gilman Freed From Russian Prison, Health Still Critical

Sun Sep 06 2026 06:45:30 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Former Marine Robert Gilman, released under humanitarian grounds, returns to the US amid rumours of state‑wide abuse and political pressure.

President Donald Trump announced the release of Robert Gilman, a former U.S. Marine from Massachusetts, who had been detained in Russia since 2022 under severe conditions. Gilman was moved to a civilian hospital in March after falling into a catatonic state. Following diplomatic talks with Russia and the support of U.S. senators, he is expected to arrive in Texas for medical assessment. Russian authorities cited a humanitarian reason for his departure, while advocacy groups highlight ongoing concerns about other American detainees. The case underscores international tensions and the treatment of foreign prisoners.

President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Russia had released Robert Gilman, a former U.S. Marine who had been held in a Russian prison since 2022.

Gilman, 30, suffered a catatonic condition after spending months in detention and was recently transferred to a civilian hospital following medical assessments. Trump said the release was humanitarian and that no prisoner swap had taken place.

The former Marine was scheduled to arrive at a U.S. military hospital in Texas on Wednesday morning, where doctors will evaluate his condition. Advocacy groups have raised concerns about the treatment of other American detainees in Russia.

Global Reach, the group that represents Gilman, claims that Russian officials released him because it did not affect their geopolitical leverage. The group has highlighted reports of forced exercise, psychotropic medication and a feeding tube during his confinement.

Senator Ed Markey and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have urged the U.S. government to secure the release of all remaining Americans detained abroad. The case remains a significant point of tension in U.S.–Russia diplomatic relations.