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Former Marine Robert Gilman held in Russia released
Former Marine Robert Gilman was released after being held in Russia since 2022. President Trump posted on X: "I am proud to announce that American Citizen Robert Gilman, a former United States Marine, is coming HOME! In a well known Media story, Robert was imprisoned in Russia in 2022, during the Biden Administration. 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. Robert will land at Andrews Air Force Base, in Washington, D.C., tonight, where my Representatives, some of whom are on the plane with him, will welcome Robert back to THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! I just spoke to him, and he had one request — A GREAT cheeseburger when he lands. I will take care of that! During my Administration, we have prioritized bringing home Americans Detained Abroad, and have done so at a level never seen before, returning hundreds of people to their families. We have also freed many non Americans who were under capture in different countries throughout the World. Robert Gilman has been reunited with his wonderful mother, Nancy, who is also on the plane with him, and will soon get to see all of his loved ones. Thank you to my incredible Team, including Special Envoy for Peace Missions, Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy for Hostage Response, Adam Boehler, Senior Director for Counterterrorism, Sebastian Gorka, Jared Kushner, and the many others who made this possible. GOD BLESS AMERICA! President DONALD J. TRUMP"
Russian authorities have released U.S. citizen Robert Gilman after four years in a Russian prison, where an advocacy group said he became gravely ill and was near death.
A family representative says, while in prison, Gilman was subject to harsh conditions and abusive treatment where his condition worsened into "a dissociative stupor" before he was transferred out of prison to a civilian hospital in Voronezh earlier this summer.
Gilman, a marine veteran, was arrested in January 2022 and he was convicted of assaulting a police officer when he was taken off a train for causing a disturbance. He was sentenced to a total of 10 years after being convicted for attacking a prison inspector and further assaults on prison guards.
What they're saying:
Gilman’s sister thanked President Trump who posted on Truth Social about the release saying, I am proud to announce that American Citizen Robert Gilman, a former United States Marine, is coming HOME!" Trump posted. "After my discussions with President Vladimir Putin, Russia has agreed to release him, very much on a Humanitarian Basis."
Trump via Truth Social
The U.S. Department of State says Gilman was held as a wrongful detainee and his release was part of an exchange with Russia "and no other concessions were provided."
What's next:
Gilman will be taken to a U.S. military hospital in Texas, where he will receive medical and psychological care. Global Reach, an organization working to secure the release of Gilman and other Americans detained abroad, said his family was flown to Texas to reunite with him.
The Source: This story was written with information provided by The Associated Press. This story was reported from Orlando.