American military veteran Robert Gilman has been released from Russia after being held for four years. He was said to be ill and at risk of death and will now undergo a medical and psychological evaluation.
“Today, after more than four years of detention in Russia, Robert Gilman is on his way home to be reunited with his family. Mr. Gilman joins over 100 Americans whom President Trump has freed during his second term in office,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement. “We thank Russia for working with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff to release Mr. Gilman and allowing him to receive the necessary medical treatment here in the United States. While we appreciate this positive step, we are still seeking the immediate return of all other unjustly detained Americans, including wrongful detainee Stephen Hubbard. The President will not stop until all unjustly detained Americans are home.”
President Trump celebrated the return of Gilman on Truth Social. “I am proud to announce that American Citizen Robert Gilman, a former United States Marine, is coming HOME!”
“In a well known Media story, Robert was imprisoned in Russia in 2022, during the Biden Administration,” Trump explained. “After my discussions with President Vladimir Putin, Russia has agreed to release him, very much on a Humanitarian Basis. We appreciate this decision, and the fact that Russia asked for no one in return — No exchange took place. Robert will land at Andrews Air Force Base, in Washington, D.C., tonight, where my Representatives, some of whom are on the plane with him, will welcome Robert back to THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!”
“I just spoke to him, and he had one request — A GREAT cheeseburger when he lands. I will take care of that! During my Administration, we have prioritized bringing home Americans Detained Abroad, and have done so at a level never seen before, returning hundreds of people to their families. We have also freed many non Americans who were under capture in different countries throughout the World.”
Trump added that Gilman has been reunited with his family. “Thank you to my incredible Team, including Special Envoy for Peace Missions, Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy for Hostage Response, Adam Boehler, Senior Director for Counterterrorism, Sebastian Gorka, Jared Kushner, and the many others who made this possible. GOD BLESS AMERICA!”
Last year, the Trump administration secured the release of U.S. teacher Marc Fogel from Russia.
