US Marine Freed from Russian Prison After Health Declines

A former US Marine, Robert Gilman, who was imprisoned in Russia and reportedly in very poor health, has been released. President Donald Trump stated that Russia agreed to the release following discussions with President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing it was on a humanitarian basis and not a prisoner swap.

Gilman, from Massachusetts, was arrested in January 2022 for allegedly kicking a police officer while drunk on a train. Initially sentenced to three and a half years, his sentence was later extended to 10 years after he was found guilty of assaulting prison guards. Reports from his advocacy group indicated he was subjected to severe harassment, including extended forced exercise and the administration of psychotropic drugs, to the extent he required a feeding tube at one point.

Gilman had recently been moved from prison to a civilian hospital in Russia due to a catatonic-like state. He is now en route to the United States, accompanied by his mother, medical personnel, and administration officials. He is expected to arrive at a US military hospital in Texas for assessment and treatment. Trump mentioned speaking with Gilman by phone, noting his immediate request for a cheeseburger upon landing.