Trump Announces Release of Former Marine Robert Gilman From Russian Prison

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, that former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman has been released from Russian custody after more than four years of imprisonment. Gilman, 32, was freed on humanitarian grounds following a personal appeal from Trump to Russian President Vladimir Putin, with no prisoner exchange required.

Gilman was arrested on January 17, 2022, in Voronezh, Russia, while traveling by train. Russian authorities alleged he was intoxicated and assaulted a police officer. His family and advocates have disputed these charges, stating he had fallen ill and the incident was accidental. He was initially sentenced to four and a half years in prison. While in custody, Gilman was convicted of additional charges related to assaults on prison staff, and his sentence was extended to a total of 10 years.

His health deteriorated significantly over the course of his detention. By late June 2026, Gilman was transferred from a prison hospital to the psychiatric ward of a civilian hospital in Voronezh. Advocates reported he had entered a dissociative stupor, was nonresponsive, and was being fed through a tube. His family expressed grave fears that he was near death.