A U.S. Marine waits for U.S. President Donald Trump on June 1 at Joint Base Andrews, Md. Russia has released Robert Gilman, a former U.S. Marine detained in 2022, and Gilman is expected to arrive Tuesday at the base. Photo by Samuel Corum/UPI | License Photo
Aug. 11 (UPI) -- Robert Gilman, a former U.S. Marine, was released from detention in Russia and was on his way back to the United States on Tuesday.
Gilman, 32, was held in a Russian prison for more than four years and was released amid severe concerns for his health, CNN reported. Advocates for Gilman and members of his family feared he was "near death" after alleged physical and psychological torture.
U.S. President Donald Trump said in a social media post that he discussed the case with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who agreed to release Gilman on a humanitarian basis.
"We appreciate this decision, and the fact that Russia asked for no one in return -- no exchange took place," Trump wrote. He said he spoke with Gilman, who had one request: "a GREAT cheeseburger when he lands."
