Robert Gilman, a 32-year-old former US Marine and English teacher, has been released from Russian detention after spending more than four years in custody. Gilman is now travelling back to the United States. His release came after growing concerns about his health and physical condition.
His family and supporters had recently raised serious concerns about his wellbeing. They said he had lost a significant amount of weight and had become almost unresponsive.
Trump Says Russia Granted Gilman Humanitarian Pardon
US President Donald Trump announced Gilman’s release and said Russian President Vladimir Putin had granted him a unilateral humanitarian pardon. Trump said the decision came after discussions between Washington and Moscow.
According to Trump, Russia did not demand the release of another prisoner in return. He also made clear that the agreement did not involve a traditional prisoner exchange.
US officials confirmed that Gilman’s release was not part of a prisoner swap. They also said they were not aware of any concessions made by the United States as part of the arrangement. Gilman is now returning home, where he is expected to receive specialised medical care.
Welcome home, Robert Gilman! 🇺🇸
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 12, 2026
After more than four years detained in Russia, American citizen Robert Gilman is finally back on U.S. soil.
Thanks to the Trump Admin, another American is safely home where he belongs.
God bless Robert Gilman, and GOD BLESS AMERICA. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/Tn8C8h9QBD
Robert Gilman Was Arrested In Russia In 2022
Russian authorities arrested Gilman in January 2022. Police detained him while he was travelling on a train in Voronezh. The city is located about 500 kilometres south of Moscow. Russian authorities accused Gilman of kicking a police officer while he was under the influence of alcohol.
His family and defence lawyers disputed the allegations. They argued that Gilman was seriously unwell when the incident occurred. They also said he had suffered a concussion. A Russian court initially sentenced Gilman to three and a half years in prison.
Additional Charges Increased Gilman’s Sentence
Gilman’s legal problems continued after his first conviction. Russian prosecutors later brought additional charges against him. They accused him of assaulting prison guards. The additional convictions eventually increased his sentence to 10 years.
His supporters questioned the repeated extensions of his prison term. They argued that the new convictions kept him in detention for years. They also feared that Russia could use his continued detention as leverage in future negotiations with the United States.
Gilman’s Health Deteriorated In Russian Detention
Concern over Gilman’s health increased sharply in recent weeks. Reports indicated that his condition had worsened while he remained in Russian custody. Authorities reportedly moved him from a hospital at a penal colony to a civilian emergency department after his condition became critical.
His family said he had experienced severe weight loss. They also said he had become largely unresponsive. His condition was reportedly similar to a dissociative or catatonic-like state. Reports also said Gilman had pneumonia and required a feeding tube for nutrition.
His deteriorating health prompted his family and advocacy groups to renew calls for his release on humanitarian grounds. They warned that his condition had become life-threatening.
Gilman Returns To US With His Mother
Gilman is travelling back to the United States with his mother, Nancy. The two are travelling aboard a US government aircraft. Gilman is expected to first arrive in Maryland. Officials then plan to take him to a US military medical facility in Texas.
Doctors are expected to carry out detailed medical and psychological evaluations. He will also receive treatment for health problems that developed during his years in Russian detention.
Gilman’s Release Ends Four Years Of Detention
Gilman’s release ends more than four years of imprisonment in Russia. His return to the United States will allow him to receive specialised medical care after his family and supporters repeatedly warned about his declining condition. The case also highlights the growing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Moscow surrounding Americans detained in Russia.