Former United States Marine Robert Gilman freed from Russia detention

By CHARLIE SPIERING, US POLITICAL REPORTER Published: 17:26, 11 August 2026 | Updated: 17:48, 11 August 2026 Former United States Marine Robert Gilman was freed from a Russian prison on Tuesday, after he was pardoned by President Vladimir Putin. Government officials confirmed to the Daily Mail that Gilman was released and sent a State Department plane to retrieve him. Kirill Dmitriev, special envoy for Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Gilman was freed for 'humanitarian reasons' on the basis that he was in poor health. Gilman's family celebrated the news as they await his safe return for medical treatment.  'I am so grateful to President Trump for saving my brother's life,' his sister Lexie Hudson said in a statement. 'There is no other reason that Robert is alive today other than that President Trump heard about the case and took action.' Gilman will receive immediate medical and psychological treatment at a military hospital in Texas, where he will be reunited with his family, according to Eric Lebson, chief strategy officer of Global Reach.  Former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman was released Tuesday for humanitarian reasons A 2019 photo of Robert Gilman and his sister, Lexie Hudson Former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman was sentenced in Russia for attacking a police officer and accused of assaulting prison officials Gilman was traveling by train when he was arrested in 2022 for allegedly kicking a police officer while he was drunk, Russian state media reported at the time. He was sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison, a sentence that was extended for allegedly assaulting guards and prison employees. Gilman was reportedly in 'a dissociative stupor' for 47 days, requiring medical attention. Last week, he was hospitalized in serious condition, prompting Trump officials to press for his release. Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts said in a statement that Gilman was 'wrongfully detained in Russia on questionable charges.' 'While this news is deeply welcomed, it is long overdue,' he said. 'It is a tragedy that it took Robert's near-death condition for his case to receive the attention that it required for his release to be negotiated.' Five other Americans remain detained in Russia. 'I pray that Robert is able to recover from this nightmare and wish him and his family peace in the difficult days ahead.'