Former United States Marine Robert Gilman was released from a Russian prison on Tuesday after being pardoned by President Vladimir Putin, ending a four-year detention.
Government officials confirmed Gilman's release and stated that a State Department plane was dispatched to retrieve him. Kirill Dmitriev, a special envoy for Putin, indicated that Gilman was freed for "humanitarian reasons" due to his poor health.
Gilman's family expressed gratitude for his release and are awaiting his return for medical treatment. His sister, Lexie Hudson, stated, "I am so grateful to President Trump for saving my brother's life. There is no other reason that Robert is alive today other than that President Trump heard about the case and took action."
Gilman is expected to receive immediate 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 arrested in 2022 while traveling by train, reportedly for kicking a police officer while intoxicated, according to Russian state media. He was initially sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison. His sentence was reportedly extended due to accusations of assaulting guards and prison employees.
He had reportedly been in a "dissociative stupor" for 47 days, requiring medical attention. Last week, his hospitalization in serious condition prompted Trump officials to intensify efforts for his release.
Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts described Gilman as "wrongfully detained in Russia on questionable charges." He added, "While this news is deeply welcomed, it is long overdue. 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 reportedly remain detained in Russia.
