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Trump Secures Release of Former Marine from Russian Captivity

President Trump successfully negotiated the return of Robert Gilman, a former U.S. Marine held in Russia, without conceding to a prisoner swap.

Foreign PolicyPublished August 11, 2026 at 11:33 PM
Robert Gilman in a prison in Russia in April 2026

President Donald Trump has successfully secured the release of Robert Gilman, a former U.S. Marine who had been held in Russian custody since 2022.

The President confirmed the release on Truth Social, noting that the agreement was reached following direct discussions with Vladimir Putin and occurred on a humanitarian basis without the need for a prisoner swap.

Gilman, a Massachusetts native, was initially arrested for an incident involving a police officer on a train and later faced an extended 10-year sentence following allegations of assaulting prison guards.

His family and advocates reported that he endured severe abuse while in Russian confinement, including forced 16-hour exercise sessions, the administration of psychotropic drugs, and conditions that left him in a catatonic-like state requiring medical intervention.

Gilman is currently en route to a U.S. military hospital in Texas for assessment and treatment. While this is a significant victory for the administration, Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the work is far from over, as five other Americans remain unjustly detained in Russia.

President Trump reaffirmed his administration's prioritization of bringing Americans home, vowing to continue efforts until every citizen is returned to U.S. soil.

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foreign-policyrussiadonald-trumpmilitaryhuman-rights

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