Washington: President Donald Trump announced the release of former US Marine Robert Gilman, who has been imprisoned in Russia since 2022, stating that Gilman will return to the United States tonight. The announcement came after discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

According to Anadolu Agency, Trump shared the news on his Truth Social platform, emphasizing that Russia agreed to release Gilman on a "Humanitarian Basis," without any exchange or demands in return. Trump expressed gratitude for the decision and noted that representatives from his administration are accompanying Gilman on his flight home. The former Marine is expected to arrive at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., where he will be welcomed back by his family, including his mother, Nancy, who traveled with him.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted the administration's ongoing efforts to secure the release of Americans detained abroad. He noted that Gilman is one of over 100 Americans freed during Trump's second term. Rubio also acknowledged the cooperation of Russian authorities and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff in ensuring Gilman's release and facilitating his necessary medical treatment in the US. Despite this positive development, Rubio reinforced the administration's commitment to securing the return of other Americans unjustly detained, including Stephen Hubbard.

Global Reach, an organization involved in advocating for Gilman's release, reported that Gilman endured "harsh and abusive treatment" while in captivity. His condition deteriorated to a life-threatening state, leading to his transfer to a civilian hospital in Voronezh. This prompted Russian authorities to release him on humanitarian grounds. Gilman is currently en route to a US military hospital in Texas for further medical and psychological care, where his family awaits his arrival. Global Reach also noted that five other Americans remain detained in Russia, all facing serious health issues.