US Ex-Marine Robert Gilman Released From Russian Prison in Humanitarian Deal
Former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman was released from a Russian prison on Tuesday, August 11, in a humanitarian agreement that involved no concessions or prisoner exchanges, according to the U.S. Gilman, who was originally incarcerated in 2022, returned to the United States following direct discussions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump announced on Truth Social that Moscow agreed to the release "at a titre purement humanitaire" without requesting any reciprocal actions from Washington.
Arrest, Conviction, and Escalating Prison Sentences
Gilman’s legal troubles began in November 2021 during a layover in Moscow while he was traveling to Moldova to teach English, according to a support website established for his release. In 2022, a court in Voronezh convicted the Massachusetts native of assaulting a police officer while intoxicated, sentencing him to four and a half years in prison. An appellate court later reduced that sentence to three and a half years.
However, his prison term was extended significantly during subsequent proceedings. In 2024, Gilman received additional prison time after being convicted of attacking prison guards and an investigator. His defense and supporters argued that he was targeted, claiming he suffered from a medical episode rather than committing an assault and later alleging mistreatment behind bars. In December 2025, a Voronezh court added another two years to his sentence, according to statements from his defense counsel.
Health Decline and Return to the United States
As his detention wore on, family members voiced mounting concern over his deteriorating physical condition. His sister, Lexie Hudson, publicly warned that she feared he would not survive his imprisonment if he remained in Russia. The U.S. State Department had previously classified Gilman as “wrongfully detained,” aligning with broader U.S. government assessments regarding American citizens held by Russian authorities.
Following his release after 1,666 days of detention, Gilman boarded a flight home accompanied by U.S. administration officials and his mother, Nancy. President Trump stated that Gilman would land at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that Gilman would receive medical treatment upon arrival. Rubio added that Gilman’s release brings the total number of Americans freed during Trump’s second term to over 100, while urging the immediate release of other Americans held in Russia, including retired English teacher Stephen Hubbard.
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