Russia releases former US Marine Robert Gilman due to poor health

Russia has released Robert Gilman, a former US Marine who had been imprisoned since 2022, transferring him to Washington D.C. on a US plane for humanitarian reasons. Kirill Dmitriev, a special envoy for Russian President Vladimir Putin, confirmed the release.

“

from detention for humanitarian reasons

Gilman, 28, was reportedly in dire health prior to his release. Massachusetts Senator Ed Markey stated on social media that Gilman had been "essentially catatonic" and battling "a severe case of pneumonia." Markey also noted that approximately 50 days prior, Gilman was diagnosed with a dissociative stupor, a condition rendering him unresponsive and unable to eat.

“

essentially catatonic

Gilman was initially arrested for kicking a police officer while intoxicated on a train to Moscow. Details of his current condition remain unclear, though a US official suggested he appeared to be in "good shape" as he returned to the US. His family is awaiting his arrival at a military hospital in Texas.

“

a severe case of pneumonia

Gilman's sister, Lexie Hudson, publicly thanked President Trump for his involvement in securing her brother's release. "There is no other reason that Robert is alive today other than that President Trump heard about the case and took action," she said in a statement, attributing his survival directly to the former president's intervention.

“

Approximately 50 days ago, Robert was diagnosed with a dissociative stupor - a condition where he is non-responsive and unable to interact or eat.