Russia releases former US Marine Robert Gilman

Published Aug 11, 04:13 PM UTC

Russia released former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman on August 11, 2026, after President Vladimir Putin approved a humanitarian pardon. Gilman, 32, had been jailed since 2022 in Voronezh, Russia, for allegedly kicking a police officer while drunk, a charge his family says was false. He was moved to a psychiatric ward in late June in a catatonic-like state. U.S. officials confirmed he was on a State Department plane to Washington Dulles Airport, accompanied by his mother and four doctors. No prisoner exchange or concessions were made; the release was described as a goodwill gesture. Gilman was recently designated as wrongfully detained. U.S. officials hope another American, Stephen Hubbard, will also be released. Upon arrival, Gilman will be greeted by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and deputy national security adviser Sebastian Gorka, then likely flown to a rehabilitation center in San Antonio, Texas.