A former U.S. Marine detained in Russia since January 2022 has been freed on humanitarian grounds after a reported severe decline in health, U.S. officials confirmed Tuesday. Robert Gilman, 32, arrived in the United States aboard a State Department aircraft and was en route to a military hospital in Texas for medical evaluation and treatment.
Putin grants pardon; no prisoner exchange involved
Russian President Vladimir Putin approved Gilman’s release following discussions with U.S. officials, according to statements from both governments. Kirill Dmitriev, special envoy for Putin, stated the decision was made for humanitarian reasons due to Gilman’s deteriorating health. U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump, confirmed that no prisoner exchange or concessions were involved in the release. Trump announced the news on Truth Social, stating he had spoken with Putin about the case.
Gilman was arrested in Voronezh, Russia, in January 2022 after an altercation with police officers while reportedly intoxicated on a train. Russian authorities initially sentenced him to 3.5 years in prison for assaulting a police officer. Over time, his sentence was extended multiple times due to additional charges, including alleged assaults on prison staff, culminating in a 10-year prison term by October 2024. His family and advocates dispute the validity of these charges, describing his behavior during the initial incident as a result of illness rather than aggression.
Health crisis triggers release after weeks in critical condition
Multiple sources reported that Gilman’s condition deteriorated significantly in recent weeks. Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) stated Gilman had been diagnosed with a dissociative stupor—a condition rendering him non-responsive and unable to eat or interact—approximately 50 days prior to his release. He was also reported to be suffering from severe pneumonia and was transferred from a prison hospital to a civilian psychiatric facility in a catatonic state. An American official who spoke with Gilman on the flight back to the U.S. stated he was walking and talking, describing his condition as "good, all things considered."
Gilman’s sister, Lexie Hudson, issued a statement through advocacy group Global Reach, expressing gratitude to Trump, Markey, and the organization for their efforts. "I am so grateful to President Trump for saving my brother's life," she said. "There is no other reason that Robert is alive today other than that President Trump heard about the case and took action."
U.S. officials, family representatives detail arrival and next steps
Upon arrival at Dulles International Airport, Gilman was scheduled to be greeted by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and deputy national security adviser Sebastian Gorka, among other officials. He will undergo a medical and psychological evaluation during the flight and upon arrival at the military hospital in Texas. His mother, Nina Gilman, was also on the flight, according to U.S. officials. The State Department has referred to Gilman as a wrongful detainee and confirmed his release was secured through diplomatic efforts.
Global Reach, the advocacy group representing Gilman’s family, stated he had been subjected to harsh and abusive treatment during his detention, which contributed to his deteriorating health. The group also noted that Russian authorities had restricted consular access to Gilman, including visits from his mother and embassy staff, during his incarceration.
Timeline of key events
- January 17, 2022: Gilman arrested in Voronezh, Russia, after an altercation with police while reportedly intoxicated.
- 2022: Initial sentence of 3.5 years for assaulting a police officer.
- October 2024: Sentence extended to 8 years and 1 month after additional convictions.
- 2025: Sentence further extended to 10 years following further allegations of assaulting prison staff.
- Late June 2025: Transferred from prison hospital to civilian psychiatric facility in a catatonic state.
- Approximately 50 days prior to release: Diagnosed with dissociative stupor and severe pneumonia.
- August 11, 2025: Gilman freed on humanitarian grounds; departs Russia aboard U.S. State Department aircraft.
- August 11, 2025: Arrives in U.S.; en route to military hospital in Texas for evaluation and treatment.
International reactions and ongoing concerns
Gilman’s case is one of at least 10 known Americans detained in Russia, according to U.S. officials. His release follows sustained diplomatic pressure from the U.S. government and advocacy groups. Senator Markey stated in a prior statement that Gilman’s detention was wrongful and that his release was "long overdue."
The U.S. State Department has not disclosed whether additional concessions were made to secure Gilman’s release beyond the humanitarian pardon. Russian officials have not provided further details on the decision-making process behind the pardon.
Gilman’s family and advocates continue to call for transparency regarding the circumstances of his arrest, detention conditions, and the charges against him. His case has drawn attention to the broader issue of Americans detained abroad and the challenges of securing their release through diplomatic channels.