Russia frees ex-US Marine Robert Gilman after Putin approves humanitarian pardon

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 his release involved no prisoner exchange or concessions, calling it a goodwill gesture. Gilman was flown on a State Department plane to Washington Dulles Airport, accompanied by his mother and four doctors. He will be greeted by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and deputy national security adviser Sebastian Gorka, then likely transferred to a rehabilitation center in San Antonio, Texas. The U.S. also hopes for the release of another American, Stephen Hubbard, designated as wrongfully detained.