Russia frees ex-US Marine Robert Gilman after Putin 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 January 2022 in Voronezh, Russia, for allegedly kicking a police officer while drunk, a charge his family denies. He was reportedly in poor health, having been moved to a psychiatric ward in a catatonic-like state. U.S. officials confirmed his release was secured without any prisoner exchange or concessions, describing it as a goodwill gesture. Gilman was flown on a State Department plane to Washington Dulles Airport, accompanied by his mother and four doctors. He is expected to receive further medical treatment at a rehabilitation center in San Antonio, Texas. The release followed intense negotiations between U.S. and Russian officials, including Trump aides and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The U.S. also hopes for the release of another American, Stephen Hubbard, who is detained in Russia.