Former U.S. Marine held in Russia on disputed charges has been released
Former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman has been released from Russian custody after four years of detention. The release was facilitated by a conversation between President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, with no prisoner exchange involved.
Why it matters
The release highlights ongoing diplomatic tensions regarding the detention of U.S. nationals in Russia and the use of such individuals as geopolitical bargaining chips.
WASHINGTON — Russia released an American military veteran on Tuesday, allowing his return to the U.S. after four years of what his family and U.S. officials allege was wrongful incarceration and abusive treatment that left him near death.
Robert Gilman, a 32-year-old Massachusetts teacher and former Marine, was freed after President Donald Trump said he spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin about his release, which Trump said was "very much on a Humanitarian Basis."
"We appreciate this decision, and the fact that Russia asked for no one in return — No exchange took place," Trump said on his Truth Social platform.
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