Marine Vet Robert Gilman Freed After 1,666 Days in Russia
Former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman is finally home after spending more than four years in a Russian prison on charges his family says were unjust. His release came after intense diplomatic efforts, with Russia asking for nothing in return.
After 1,666 days behind bars in Russia, U.S. Marine veteran Robert Gilman touched down on American soil Tuesday night, weak but alive. His first request after years of harsh imprisonment? A great cheeseburger.
Gilman's nightmare began in January 2022 when he got violently ill while traveling through Russia on his way to Moldova. He stopped in Moscow to recover at a relative's house, then headed to the U.S. embassy to renew his passport.
During that trip, he became sick again. Russian police approached him, claiming he was drunk and had assaulted them. They arrested him on the spot, and what should have been a simple travel mishap turned into a 10-year prison sentence.
The conditions Gilman faced were severe. Family representative Kieran Ramsey said the treatment put him into "a catatonic state." By late June, Gilman had been transferred to a civilian hospital, being fed through a nose tube, with his family fearing he might not survive.
The U.S. State Department designated Gilman as a wrongful detainee. After diplomatic discussions between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russia agreed to release Gilman on humanitarian grounds.
Why This Inspires
What makes this homecoming especially remarkable is that Russia asked for nothing in exchange. No prisoner swap. No concessions. Just a decision to let a suffering man go home.
Gilman's mother Nancy was on the plane with him as he flew home to Andrews Air Force Base. Though he'll need extensive medical care at a military hospital in Texas, he was conscious enough to speak with President Trump during the flight.
His sister Lexie Hudson expressed gratitude to both President Trump and Senator Ed Markey for their advocacy. "There is no other reason that Robert is alive today other than that President Trump heard about the case and took action," she said.
Gilman now faces a long road to recovery, but he's facing it on American soil, surrounded by family who never stopped fighting for him.
After four and a half years of darkness, Robert Gilman is finally home.
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Based on reporting by Fox News Politics
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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