President Donald Trump said that Russia agreed to release Robert Gilman without a prisoner exchange.
“I am proud to announce that American Citizen Robert Gilman, a former United States Marine, is coming HOME!” the President wrote on Truth Social Tuesday. “We appreciate this decision, and the fact that Russia asked for no one in return — No exchange took place.”
Trump credited a team, including his son-in-law Jared Kushner, envoy Steve Witkoff, hostage negotiator Adam Boehler, and Director for Counterterrorism Sebastian Gorka.
Reuters reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin pardoned Gilman so he could seek medical treatment in the US and because of his personal friendship with Trump. “It’s a goodwill gesture,” one Russian official said.
It is unclear what health condition the former Marine is suffering from. However, a US official downplayed the health concerns, saying, “All things considered he seems to be in good shape.”
Gilman was arrested shortly before the Russian invasion of Ukraine in January 2022. Moscow accused him of getting into a fight with a police officer while intoxicated. The former Marine was sentenced to four years and six months in prison. His father claimed the charges are false.
