Kathmandu— Former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman, detained in Russia since 2022, has been released and returned to the United States, confirmed by former President Donald Trump. The release occurred on a “humanitarian basis” with no reciprocal demands made by Moscow, Trump stated. Gilman was flown out of Russia on a State Department plane after receiving a presidential pardon related to his deteriorating mental health. He had been serving a sentence for assault and subsequent violent behavior in prison.

Background of the Detention

Robert Gilman, 32, was initially detained in early 2022 while traveling through Russia by train after allegedly assaulting a police officer while intoxicated. A veteran who served with the Marine Corps for one year between 2019 and 2020, Gilman is the son of a Russian immigrant to the United States. He was originally sentenced to 4.5 years in prison for the assault, later reduced to 3.5 years on appeal.

Escalating Penalties and Health Concerns

Gilman’s situation worsened while incarcerated, reportedly exhibiting increasing violence within the penal colony. This led to an additional seven-year sentence in 2024 for repeated assaults on jail officials. Last month, he was transferred to a civilian psychiatric ward where his condition deteriorated to what was described as a “dissociative stupor” or catatonic state.

Negotiations and Release

The U.S. had been seeking Gilman’s release for some time, with the issue reportedly discussed during a recent meeting between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. According to Trump, Russia agreed to release Gilman “very much on a humanitarian basis” without requesting any exchange or concessions. Rubio expressed gratitude to Russia for allowing Gilman to receive medical treatment in the United States.

Return to the U.S.

Gilman is expected to be transferred to a hospital in Texas for comprehensive medical evaluation and treatment, according to sources cited by AP.

Gilman has been flown back to the United States and will receive medical care in Texas as he recovers from his ordeal.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.