MOSCOW — Russia has released former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman after more than four years in detention, with U.S. President Donald Trump saying the 32-year-old was freed on humanitarian grounds following discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Gilman returned to the United States on Aug. 11 and was taken for medical and psychological treatment at a military hospital in Texas, according to U.S. officials and an organization representing his family. The release was not part of a prisoner exchange, Trump said.
Gilman was arrested in Russia in January 2022 after authorities accused him of assaulting a police officer. He was sentenced to 4-1/2 years in prison, and later faced additional charges involving alleged assaults on prison personnel that extended his sentence. His family has disputed the allegations and said he became seriously ill while in Russian custody.
His health deteriorated sharply in 2026. Reuters reported in July that Gilman had been hospitalized in Russia, citing his lawyer and a U.S. State Department spokesperson who confirmed that the department was providing consular assistance. In the weeks before his release, advocates said he had become largely unresponsive and was in critical condition.
The U.S. government had repeatedly raised Gilman’s case with Moscow and sought his release on humanitarian grounds, particularly as concerns about his health increased. The State Department had previously said it was closely monitoring his detention and providing consular assistance.
Trump said Putin agreed to pardon Gilman and that no concessions were made by Washington in return. The release came amid renewed diplomatic engagement between Washington and Moscow over broader relations and the war in Ukraine.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed Gilman’s return while continuing to call for the release of other Americans detained in Russia, according to U.S. officials. The case has drawn attention from lawmakers and private organizations that advocate for Americans held abroad.
Gilman is now receiving medical and psychological evaluation in Texas. U.S. officials have not announced further details about his treatment or any additional arrangements with Russia.
