Russia pardons US Marine Robert Gilman after Trump-Putin talks, no prisoner exchange

Announcement and circumstances of release

Donald Trump announced on 11 August 2026 on Truth Social that Robert Gilman, a 32-year-old former United States Marine, was returning home after more than four years in Russian custody. Trump said the release followed his conversations with Vladimir Putin and that Russia agreed to free Gilman largely for humanitarian reasons, without demanding anyone in return. Putin signed a pardon decree on humanitarian grounds, also citing his friendship with the US president, according to Putin's international advisor Yuri Ushakov, who informed Trump's advisors last week. US officials described the decision as a gesture of good will, and Reuters reported that the United States made no concessions in exchange.

Gilman's detention and health crisis

Gilman was arrested on 17 January 2022 in Voronezh, about 550 kilometres south of Moscow, while traveling by train through Russia toward Moldova, where he planned to work as an English teacher. Russian state media reported he had kicked a police officer while intoxicated. His father, Vladimir Gilman, who emigrated from Russia to Massachusetts, wrote in the Boston Globe in October 2024 that the charges were false, saying his son had fallen ill and accidentally kicked the officer, who was uninjured and withdrew charges without presenting evidence at trial. Gilman was initially sentenced to 4.5 years, then had his sentence extended to 10 years after additional charges of assaulting prison staff. His family and Global Reach, the organization representing them, said he was subjected to physical violence and forced medication in detention.

Gilman's health deteriorated severely in recent months. Eric Lebson, strategy director at Global Reach, told Reuters that Gilman was transferred late June from a prison hospital to the psychiatric ward of a civilian emergency hospital in a state resembling catatonia, described as dissociative stupor. According to AP, he spent 47 days in that dissociative state. On the day of his release, a US official who spoke with Gilman said he was walking and talking and appeared to be in good condition overall.

The flight home and medical care

Gilman departed Russia on 11 August aboard a State Department plane. Four doctors were to examine him during the flight, US officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity. His mother, Nina, was on board. Officials said Gilman would likely be transported to a rehabilitation facility in San Antonio, Texas, for treatment. Trump said he had spoken with Gilman by phone.

“I just spoke with him and he had only one request, a BIG cheeseburger after landing. I'll take care of that!”

Broader context and remaining detainees

Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on X that Gilman joins over 100 Americans freed by President Trump during his second term. Rubio thanked Russia for cooperating with Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and for allowing Gilman to receive necessary medical treatment in the United States. Jared Kushner was also involved in the process, according to Reuters. Rubio reiterated demands for the release of all remaining unjustly detained Americans, naming Stephen Hubbard, who is 74 and was sentenced in October 2024 to 6 years and 10 months for mercenary activity on behalf of Ukraine.

“Although we appreciate this positive step, we continue to demand the immediate return of all remaining unjustly detained Americans, including Stephen Hubbard, who is also wrongfully held. The president will not stop until all wrongfully detained Americans return home.”

Russian media have reported that at least 10 Americans were imprisoned in Russia. The timing of Trump's last conversation with Putin remains unknown. Intensive negotiations between US and Russian officials took place over the weekend preceding the announcement.