Get you up to speed: Former US Marine reunited with family after Russia releases him from four-year imprisonment | News World
Robert Gilman, a 32-year-old former US Marine, has been released from a Russian penal colony after four years of imprisonment. His release, confirmed by the Kremlin for “humanitarian reasons,” follows concerns over his health after alleged torture during his confinement.
Robert Gilman is currently receiving treatment on a specialised medical plane en route to the United States before undergoing further medical care at a military hospital in Texas. The Kremlin confirmed his release was granted for humanitarian reasons, following a reported serious decline in his health during imprisonment.
Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that his discussions with President Vladimir Putin led to Robert Gilman’s release from Russian imprisonment on humanitarian grounds, emphasising no exchange was involved. Following his release, Gilman is set to receive medical care in a military hospital in Texas, after being treated aboard a specialised medical plane.
What remains unclear — It is not specified whether Robert Gilman’s release will affect ongoing diplomatic relations between the US and Russia.
Former US Marine Robert Gilman reunited with family following release from Russian prison
Robert has been reunited with his family after four years (Picture: Truth Social)
An American imprisoned in Russia since 2022 is on his way home after years in a penal colony.
Robert Gilman, a 32-year-old former US Marine, was imprisoned in Russia but has now been freed after his health took a serious turn.
His family said earlier this week that they feared he would die soon after sustaining alleged physical and psychological torture for years.
Donald Trump shared on Truth Social today: ‘After my discussions with President Vladimir Putin, Russia has agreed to release him, very much on a Humanitarian Basis.
‘We appreciate this decision, and the fact that Russia asked for no one in return — No exchange took place.’
The Kremlin also confirmed that Gilman was released for ‘humanitarian reasons’.
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Gilman appeared in court in April but his condition quickly deteriorated (Picture: Reuters)
Trump has reportedly spoken with Gilman and his family already, telling reporters that the former US Marine requested a ‘great cheeseburger’ when he’s back in the United States.
CNN reported that Gilman will likely receive medical care at a military hospital in Texas.
He’s currently receiving treatment on a specialised medical plane until he reaches American soil.
Gilman is one of many Americans who have been imprisoned in Russia.
In early 2022, he was detained after officials claimed he was drunk and got into an ‘altercation’ with a police officer.
Gilman has denied this, but he was sentenced to four and a half years in prison.
In 2024, a US reporter, a former Marine and a Russian-American journalist were released in a prisoner swap that was one of the biggest since the end of the Cold War.
Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, ex-US Marine Paul Whelan and radio journalist Alsu Kurmasheva were part of the swap.
Also freed was Vladimir Kara-Murza, who was part of Russia’s beleaguered opposition, was behind bars since April 2022, and suffered two near-fatal poisoning attempts in the years before his arrest.
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