The Trump administration successfully arranged the release of Marine veteran Robert Gilman from a Russian prison, demonstrating a shift in U.S. hostage negotiation strategy. Gilman was released without a prisoner swap, following a lengthy detention.
Release Details
Photos and videos released on Wednesday show Gilman, a U.S. citizen, back on American soil. His return follows his January 17, 2022 arrest in Voronezh, Russia, where he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. After 1,666 days of detention, Gilman was freed on humanitarian grounds.
President Donald Trump confirmed that Gilman would arrive at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday night. After speaking with Gilman, Trump shared that Gilman’s request was a good cheeseburger.
Sebastian Gorka, a deputy assistant to the president, shared a video of the aircraft landing and noted, “As President Donald Trump promised, Steve Witkoff brought Robert Gilman cheeseburgers and milkshakes!”
Welcoming Gilman Home
U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Sebastian Gorka greeted Gilman upon his return. Witkoff described the event as “a special night welcoming an American citizen home to his family and country.” He thanked President Trump for his commitment to ensuring no American is left behind.
Witkoff praised Gilman as a patriot and former Marine who served his country honorably. With his return, Gilman can now access the medical care he needs.
Gilman’s Legal Challenges
In 2022, Gilman was convicted of assaulting a police officer and initially sentenced to three and a half years in prison. His sentence was extended in 2024 and again in 2025 due to additional charges of assaulting prison staff.
The U.S. State Department classified Gilman as a wrongful detainee during his incarceration.
Context of U.S. Marine Detentions in Russia
Gilman is the third U.S. Marine detained in Russia over the past decade, following Paul Whelan in 2018 and Trevor Reed in 2019. Both Whelan and Reed were eventually released in prisoner exchanges.
President Trump, after discussions with President Vladimir Putin, announced the agreement for Gilman’s release on a humanitarian basis. No exchange or conditions were attached to his release.
Gorka noted that Gilman’s mother, Nancy, was reunited with him during his return journey to the United States.