Witkoff thanks Putin for releasing former U.S. Marine from Russian detention

U.S. President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for releasing Robert Gilman, a U.S. citizen and former Marine, from years of detention in Russia.

“Tonight, I had the profound privilege of welcoming Robert Gilman home to the United States after more than four years of detention in Russia,” Witkoff said on X, posting a photo from the aircraft together with Gilman.

“Robert is a patriot—a former United States Marine who served our country with honor. He can now finally return to his family and receive the medical care he needs. His return is another testament to [Trump’s] extraordinary leadership and unwavering commitment to bringing Americans home. Under his leadership, Marc Fogel and Ksenia Karelina were also brought home from Russia. At the President’s direction, Secretary Marco Rubio, Adam Boehler, Sebastian Gorka, Jared Kushner and I worked closely together to secure Robert’s release. We thank President Putin for granting Robert a pardon on humanitarian grounds and for his personal engagement throughout this process. President Trump will continue fighting every day to bring ALL Americans detained abroad safely HOME. Welcome home, Robert,” he added.

Robert Gilman has been freed from years of detention in Russia on humanitarian grounds, a State Department spokesperson confirmed earlier.

Gilman’s release came amid serious concerns about his health.

Gilman was arrested in the southwestern Russian city of Voronezh on Jan. 17, 2022. He was accused of assaulting a police officer who had removed him from a train for allegedly causing a disturbance. 

He was convicted and sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison, which was subsequently extended following several other assault convictions involving Russian prison officials.

Gilman’s family denies the charges and has accused Russian authorities of wrongfully detaining him for political purposes because he is American.

President Donald Trump said he had discussed Gilman’s release with Russian President Vladimir Putin, adding that “Russia asked for no one in return — No exchange took place.”