VORONEZH — Russia released former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman from detention on Tuesday, ending a nearly five-year imprisonment that concluded with his transfer to a State Department aircraft. Russian President Vladimir Putin approved a pardon for the 32-year-old on humanitarian grounds, according to officials involved in the diplomatic process.

U.S. officials said Gilman was on a State Department plane flying from Russia to Washington Dulles Airport. The United States did not exchange any Russian prisoners to secure Gilman's release, marking a departure from recent high-profile prisoner swaps between the two nations.

A U.S. official described Gilman's release as "an act of goodwill" by Putin. Another U.S. official who spoke to Gilman said, "All things considered, he seems to be in good shape." The former service member will be evaluated by four doctors during the flight to the United States to assess his physical and mental condition.

Gilman's mother, Nina, was on the plane returning to the United States with him. Upon arrival, U.S. officials said Gilman will be greeted by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and deputy national security adviser Sebastian Gorka. He is likely to be flown to a rehabilitation center in San Antonio, Texas, for medical treatment.

Lebson stated that Gilman had been moved from a prison to a civilian hospital, where he was hooked up to a feeding tube and handcuffed to a bed. Eric Lebson, chief strategy officer of Global Reach, stated that Gilman was moved in late June from a prison hospital to the psychiatric ward of a civilian emergency hospital in a catatonic-like state assessed as a "dissociative stupor." Senator Edward Markey stated that Gilman was diagnosed with a dissociative stupor approximately 50 days prior to his release.

Senator Edward Markey stated that Gilman suffered a severe case of pneumonia. Senator Edward he stated that Gilman was subjected to physical torture, forced medication, and provocations by Russian authorities. These allegations contrast with the characterization of the release as a humanitarian gesture by Russian leadership.

President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that he discussed Gilman's case with Russian President Putin. President Donald Trump stated on Truth Social that Gilman would land at Andrews Air Force Base. President Donald he stated on Truth Social that Gilman requested a cheeseburger upon landing.

Lexie Hudson, Gilman's sister, said, "I am so grateful to President Trump for saving my brother's life." Lexie Hudson said, "There is no other reason that Robert is alive today other than that President Trump heard about the case and took action." The family attributes the release to direct presidential intervention rather than standard diplomatic channels.

Gilman served in the U.S. Marines from August 2019 until August 2020. He was arrested in Voronezh, Russia, in January 2022. Russian state media reported that Gilman was detained for allegedly kicking a police officer while drunk. Vladimir Gilman stated in an October 2024 Boston Globe op-ed that the charges against his son were false and that Gilman had fallen ill and accidentally kicked the officer.

Gilman was sentenced to eight years and one month in prison in October 2024 after being convicted of attacking a prison inspector, beating an investigator, and assaulting a guard. His sentence was extended to 10 years after he was found guilty of assaulting prison guards. The legal proceedings spanned several years within the Russian judicial system.

Gilman was one of at least 10 Americans known to be imprisoned in Russia. A report stated there are currently eight Americans in Russian custody, with only one considered wrongly detained. The Russian Federation, with its capital in Moscow, is located in Europe and Central Asia and is classified by the World Bank as a high income economy.

The release of Gilman shows the ongoing presence of American detainees in Russia, with reports indicating that eight citizens remain in custody. While U.S. officials framed the pardon as a humanitarian act, allegations of abuse and forced medication raise questions about the conditions faced by those still detained. The absence of a prisoner exchange suggests a shift in diplomatic tactics, relying on direct appeals rather than reciprocal releases.

Gilman's medical condition, described as a dissociative stupor, reflects the physical and psychological toll of long-term detention. His transfer to a military hospital in Texas indicates the severity of his health needs and the U.S. government's commitment to his recovery. The case remains a focal point in U.S.-Russia relations, with differing narratives emerging from Washington and Moscow regarding the circumstances of his freedom.

Why It Matters

This release marks a departure from recent high-profile prisoner swaps, as the United States did not exchange any Russian detainees to secure Gilman's freedom. The event establishes a precedent for resolving detention cases through unilateral humanitarian pardons rather than reciprocal negotiations. Gilman's transfer to medical care follows allegations of severe health deterioration and abuse while in Russian custody, showing the physical stakes for Americans imprisoned abroad.