President Donald Trump announced on August 11 that American citizen Robert Gilman, a former U.S. Marine imprisoned in Russia since 2022, is returning to the United States. Trump stated that after discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russia agreed to release Gilman on a humanitarian basis, with no exchange required. Gilman is expected to land at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., tonight, where Trump's representatives will welcome him back.
"I am proud to announce that American Citizen Robert Gilman, a former United States Marine, is coming HOME!" Trump wrote on X. He emphasized that no one was exchanged for Gilman's release, saying, "Russia has agreed to release him, very much on a Humanitarian Basis. We appreciate this decision, and the fact that Russia asked for no one in return — No exchange took place."
Trump noted that he spoke directly with Gilman, who requested "a GREAT cheeseburger" upon landing. Trump added, "I will take care of that!" The president credited his team, including Special Envoy for Peace Missions Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy for Hostage Response Adam Boehler, Senior Director for Counterterrorism Sebastian Gorka, and Jared Kushner, for facilitating the release. Gilman is now reunited with his mother, Nancy, who is also on the plane with him.
Trump highlighted his administration's record on securing the release of detained Americans, stating, "During my Administration, we have prioritized bringing home Americans Detained Abroad, and have done so at a level never seen before, returning hundreds of people to their families."
