US Marine who was jailed by Russia looks alarmingly frail in first photo as he’s released on ‘humanitarian grounds’ after years of abuse

Former United States Marine Robert Gilman was freed from a Russian prison after serving four years behind bars as his health rapidly deteriorated.

Gilman’s release was negotiated by President Donald Trump, after he was pardoned by President Vladimir Putin for ‘humanitarian reasons’ on the basis that he was in poor health.

Gilman was suffering psychologically from a ‘dissociative stupor’ for more than six weeks, according to reports, and he also had a severe case of pneumonia. 

Government officials confirmed to the Daily Mail that Gilman was released and a State Department plane was sent to retrieve him.

He appeared extremely thin and fragile in the picture, first posted by Trump on Truth Social. The ex-Marine looked noticeably weak compared to a photo of him taken during a 2025 court appearance.  

His family celebrated the news as they await his safe return for medical treatment. 

‘I am so grateful to President Trump for saving my brother’s life,’ his sister Lexie Hudson said in a statement. ‘There is no other reason that Robert is alive today other than that President Trump heard about the case and took action.’

Trump confirmed the news in a post on social media, noting that there was no prisoner exchange with Russia to secure Gilman’s release.

‘I just spoke to him, and he had one request — A GREAT cheeseburger when he lands. I will take care of that!’ Trump wrote, sharing an image of Gilman and his family on the plane. 

Former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman returns from a Russian prison on a State Department plane with his mother Nancy and other family members 

Gilman, who appeared healthier in April when he made a court appearance, was jailed in 2022 for allegedly assaulting a Russian police officer 

A 2019 photo of Robert Gilman and his sister, Lexie Hudson. The family thanked President Trump for bringing him home 

Trump singled out Special Envoy for Peace Missions, Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy for Hostage Response, Adam Boehler, Senior Director for Counterterrorism, Sebastian Gorka and his son-in-law Jared Kushner for their efforts.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio also confirmed the news on social media.

‘While we appreciate this positive step, we are still seeking the immediate return of all other unjustly detained Americans, including wrongful detainee Stephen Hubbard,’ he wrote. 

Trump said the plane would first land at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, DC, on Tuesday evening. 

Gilman will receive medical and psychological treatment at a military hospital in Texas, where he will be reunited with his family, according to Eric Lebson, chief strategy officer of Global Reach. 

Gilman was traveling by train when he was arrested in 2022 for allegedly kicking a police officer while he was drunk, Russian state media reported at the time.

He was sentenced to three and a half years in prison, a sentence that was extended for allegedly assaulting guards and prison employees.

Last week, he was hospitalized in serious condition, prompting Trump officials to press for his release.

Gilman was sentenced in Russia for attacking a police officer and was accused of assaulting prison officials. He attended a court hearing in Voronezh, Russia October 7, 2024 (above)

Gilman in 2025 as he awaited a court hearing on his detainment

Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts said in a statement that Gilman was ‘wrongfully detained in Russia on questionable charges.’

‘While this news is deeply welcomed, it is long overdue,’ he said. ‘It is a tragedy that it took Robert’s near-death condition for his case to receive the attention that it required for his release to be negotiated.’

Five other Americans remain detained in Russia, Markey noted, and said the United States would continue pressing for their release. 

‘I pray that Robert is able to recover from this nightmare and wish him and his family peace in the difficult days ahead.’