Trump announces former Marine Gilman's release from Russia

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that Robert Gilman, a former United States Marine imprisoned in Russia since 2022, will return to American soil tonight following negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, describing the release as a humanitarian gesture that required no reciprocal concessions. Trump disclosed the development in a statement posted on Truth Social, confirming that Gilman was departing Russia after four years in custody. “I am proud to announce that American Citizen Robert Gilman, a former United States Marine, is coming HOME!” the president said, noting that the return followed his direct talks with Putin.

No exchange required

The Republican leader emphasized that Moscow agreed to free Gilman “very much on a Humanitarian Basis” without demanding any reciprocal release. “We appreciate this decision, and the fact that Russia asked for no one in return — No exchange took place,” Trump stated, adding that his representatives were accompanying the former service member on the flight home. Gilman is expected to land at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday evening, where administration officials will greet him upon arrival. His mother, Nancy, is traveling on the same aircraft and has been reunited with her son during the journey, according to the president's statement.

Administration efforts

Trump said that his administration has prioritized securing the release of Americans detained overseas, and has returned “hundreds of people to their families” since January. “During my Administration, we have prioritized bringing home Americans Detained Abroad, and have done so at a level never seen before,” he said, noting that officials have also secured freedom for foreign nationals held in various countries. The former Marine was arrested in 2022, though specific charges were not detailed in Tuesday's announcement. Gilman's release marks the latest instance of cooperation between Washington and Moscow regarding detained citizens despite ongoing tensions over the war in Ukraine and broader geopolitical disputes.