Kathmandu— Former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman, 32, has been released from Russian detention and is expected to arrive at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, D.C., on Tuesday night. He was initially detained in January 2022 in Voronezh over an alleged altercation with a police officer, and later designated as wrongfully detained by the U.S. government. The release came after Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to free Gilman “on a humanitarian basis,” according to former President Donald Trump, with no Americans being released by the US in exchange.

Years of Detention and Health Concerns

Gilman had been held in a prison in Voronezh, approximately 340 miles south of Moscow. U.S. officials reported that Gilman was walking and talking, appearing to be in good shape considering his lengthy detention, though the exact details of his health remained unclear. Senator Ed Markey revealed that Gilman was previously in “near-death” condition, suffering from severe pneumonia and a catatonic state where he was unresponsive and unable to eat.

Disputed Charges and Allegations of Mistreatment

Russian state media reported that Gilman was arrested for allegedly kicking a police officer while intoxicated. However, his father, Vladimir Gilman, disputed these charges in an op-ed published by the Boston Globe, stating that his son had fallen ill at the time of the incident and the kick was accidental. The officer reportedly dropped the charges and presented no evidence during the trial. Despite this, Robert Gilman’s initial sentence of four and a half years was repeatedly extended due to additional alleged assaults while incarcerated. Markey also stated that Gilman was subjected to physical torture, forced medication, and provocations by Russian authorities during his detention.

Securing Release: A Collaborative Effort

Former President Trump announced the release on his Truth Social platform, noting that a team of officials from his administration worked to secure Gilman’s freedom. This team included envoy for hostage negotiations Adam Boehler, advisers Steve Witkoff and Sebastian Gorka, and Jared Kushner. Gilman's mother, Nina, is accompanying him on the flight back to the United States.

Post-Release Medical Care

Upon arrival in the U.S., Gilman will be transported to a rehabilitation center in San Antonio, Texas, for medical treatment. Several doctors will evaluate his condition during the flight to ensure he receives appropriate care after four years of detention.

Gilman’s release brings an end to a prolonged period of uncertainty for his family and marks another instance of securing freedom for Americans detained abroad.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.