President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that former US Marine Robert Gilman had been released from a Russian prison under a humanitarian arrangement, after talks with President Vladimir Putin.
Gilman, a Massachusetts native, was arrested in 2022 for allegedly kicking a police officer aboard a train to Moscow, and later faced harsher charges for assaulting prison guards. He spent almost five years in Russian custody, during which he was moved to a civilian hospital after entering a catatonic‑like state and reportedly required a feeding tube. He has been under what relatives described as “harsh and abusive” treatment.
The release, announced by Trump, was characterised as a “humanitarian release” and not part of any prisoner swap, according to official statements. Trump said he spoke with Gilman on the phone, noting a single request: a cheeseburger upon arrival. Mr. Gilman is expected to land in the US and is slated to be assessed in a military hospital in Texas.
Alexandra Hudson, Gilman’s sister, expressed gratitude for the President’s role, while Senator Ed Markey highlighted the deteriorated state of Gilman’s health, noting a dissociative stupor diagnosis. The release comes while five other Americans are still detained in Russia, including Aleksandr Antonov, David Barnes, Olga Jezler, Andre Khachatoorian, and Chuck Zimmerman. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged the swift return of all unjustly detained Americans.
The event underscores the U.S. commitment to securing the return of its citizens abroad and highlights geopolitical tensions surrounding detainee treatment and diplomatic negotiations between the US and Russia.
