Ex-Marine held in Russian prison for more than 4 years back on U.S. soil after Trump intervenes

Robert Gilman alongside his mother, Nancy, after returning to the U.S.

Robert Gilman, a Marine veteran, returned to the U.S. late Tuesday night after he was released by Russia earlier in the day. Gilman spent more than four years incarcerated in a Russian prison and was in failing health.

The 32-year-old former Marine was welcomed back to the U.S. at Andrews Air Force base in Maryland by special envoy Steve Witkoff and several other White House officials. "Robert is a patriot -- a former United States Marine who served our country with honor," Witkoff said in a post on X. Witkoff also posted several photos of Gilman's arrival, showing the former Marine wearing a red "Trump was right about everything" hat.

Trump was instrumental in bringing Gilman back to the U.S. Earlier on Tuesday, Trump posted a photo on Truth Social of Gilman on a U.S. military plane during his flight to the U.S. “There is no other reason that Robert is alive today other than that President Trump heard about the case and took action,” said Gilman's sister, Lexie Hudson, who also credited U.S. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts “for leading our advocacy efforts in Congress,” The Associated Press reported. 

“Robert Gilman has been reunited with his wonderful mother, Nancy, who is also on the plane with him, and will soon get to see all of his loved ones,” Trump wrote. Gilman appeared pale and gaunt in the photo, and was surrounded by several others holding up an American flag. “I just spoke to him, and he had one request — A GREAT cheeseburger when he lands,” Trump added. “I will take care of that!” Indeed, Gilman was given a cheeseburger, milkshake and cigar upon landing, according to ABC News. 

Trump revealed he negotiated Gilman's release with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying Gilman's release was made on a "humanitarian basis" without the U.S. returning any Russian prisoners the U.S. is holding. “We appreciate this decision, and the fact that Russia asked for no one in return — No exchange took place,” Trump said.

Gilman had been convicted of kicking a Russian police officer while he was drunk in 2022 and was facing up to 10 years in prison there. His family disputed the charges. He suffered numerous health complications, including a severe case of pneumonia, which family members said left him catatonic. "He can now finally return to his family and receive the medical care he needs," Witkoff said of Gilman's return to the U.S.

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