Former US Marine Detained in Russia for 4.5 Years Released; Trump Expresses Thanks for Decision

Robert Gilman, a 32-year-old American man who had been detained in Russia for over four years, has been released.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on social media platform Truth Social on the 11th (local time), "I am proud to share that American citizen and former Marine Gilman is returning home."

President Trump emphasized that the release decision was made on humanitarian grounds following discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting that Russia did not demand the release of any Russians in return.

President Trump stated that a plane carrying Gilman would land at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, D.C., tonight, adding, "Thank you for this decision."

He also added that Gilman expressed a desire to eat a cheeseburger upon arriving in the United States, and that he would have one ready for him.

According to Reuters and other outlets, Gilman, who served in the U.S. Marine Corps for one year starting in August 2019, was arrested in Voronezh, Russia, in January 2022.

Russian authorities claimed he had kicked a police officer while intoxicated.

Gilman's father, who is of Russian descent, appealed that his son had accidentally kicked the police officer while suffering from illness and did not do so intentionally.

Gilman served a sentence of four years and six months.

Last week, Russian officials informed the United States that President Putin had decided to pardon Gilman on humanitarian grounds, taking into account his friendship with President Trump.

U.S. officials reported that Gilman is able to walk and converse.

However, a source close to Gilman stated that he was transferred from a prison hospital to a civilian emergency facility in a state of decreased consciousness in late June.

Gilman is reportedly scheduled to undergo a medical evaluation by medical staff onboard the flight before being transferred to a medical facility in San Antonio, Texas, for treatment.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement, "We thank Russia for cooperating with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to secure Gilman's release," adding, "While we appreciate this positive step, we will continue to press for the immediate return of wrongfully detained Americans, including Stephen Hubbard."

For President Trump, Gilman's return is seen as a diplomatic achievement.

However, with no clear breakthrough in sight for ending the war in Ukraine, it may be a "gesture of goodwill" offered by President Putin to appease President Trump.

Reuters reported that at least 10 more American detainees remain in Russia, including Hubbard.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.