Russia frees ailing ex-US Marine from detention

Robert Gilman, a former U.S. Marine who had been detained in Russia since January 2022, has returned to the United States. President Donald Trump announced the release, stating it was for humanitarian reasons following discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Gilman, 32, arrived at Dulles airport near Washington, where he was met by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and other officials. They greeted him with hamburgers and milkshakes, symbolizing his return home. "He can now fully return to his family and receive the medical care he needs," Witkoff said.

U.S. officials confirmed that President Putin approved a pardon for Gilman. The White House and State Department had urged Moscow for his release to allow him to receive medical treatment. U.S. officials stated that Russia sought no concessions in return for Gilman's freedom.

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He can now fully return to his family and receive the medical care he needs.

Gilman was held in a prison in Voronezh. Reports indicated he had been moved to a psychiatric ward in a catatonic-like state. A U.S. official who spoke with him upon his arrival described him as "walking and talking" and in "good shape all things considered."

Gilman was arrested in January 2022 while traveling by train in Voronezh. Russian state media reported he was detained for allegedly kicking a police officer while intoxicated. His father, however, has claimed the charges were false, stating his son had fallen ill at the time of the incident.

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I will take care of that!