Former US Marine Robert Gilman released from Russian custody

Robert Gilman, a U.S. national who had been held in Russian custody for over four years, has been released, according to an announcement by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump stated on his social media platform, Truth Social, that Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to Gilman's release on humanitarian grounds.

"After my conversations with President Vladimir Putin, Russia has agreed to release Robert Gilman on humanitarian grounds," Trump wrote. He emphasized that the release did not involve a prisoner exchange and that Moscow had not demanded any concessions in return. Trump reported speaking with Gilman, who expressed a desire for "a good cheeseburger" upon his return to the United States. Gilman was expected to land at Joint Base Andrews near Washington later on Tuesday.

Gilman, who reportedly served in the U.S. Marine Corps, fell ill during a train journey in Russia. Instead of receiving medical attention, he was taken to a police station and subsequently faced multiple charges. Russian state news agency Tass reported that Gilman was initially arrested for drunkenness and aggressive behavior at the Voronezh train station and assaulted an officer there. He received a four-and-a-half-year sentence, which was later reduced by one year. However, his detention was extended by several more years due to further accusations of assaulting officials during his imprisonment.