US Marine veteran released from Russian prison after 1,666 days of detention
US Marine veteran Robert Gilman has been released from Russian custody after being held for 1,666 days, Fox News has learned. He was freed on humanitarian grounds on Tuesday, ending more than four and a half years of detention that had raised concern among his family and US officials, with reports earlier suggesting he could be near death in custody.
Gilman, a US citizen, was arrested on 17 January 2022 in Voronezh, Russia, shortly before Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Further details of the circumstances surrounding his release, including any diplomatic arrangements involved, were not immediately available.
In short
- US Marine veteran Robert Gilman freed from Russian prison after 1,666 days
- He was released on Tuesday on humanitarian grounds
- Gilman was arrested in Voronezh, Russia, in January 2022
Explained simply
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022, weeks after Robert Gilman was arrested in the Russian city of Voronezh. His detention therefore began before the war, though it continued as relations between Moscow and Washington became more strained.
Gilman is a US citizen and former Marine. His case drew concern from his family and US officials, particularly after reports said his health in custody may have become critical. US citizens detained in Russia can become a matter of diplomatic concern, though the arrangements behind individual releases are not always made public.