An American Marine Corps veteran, Robert Gilman, 32, detained in Russia since 2022, has been hospitalized in serious condition. An advocate for Gilman’s family is urgently calling on the Trump administration to push for his immediate release on humanitarian grounds.
Eric Lebson of Global Reach, who advocates for Gilman, described the veteran's condition at a Russian hospital as a “dissociative stupor,” noting that Gilman is being fed through a tube in his nose.
Lebson has made serious allegations against Russian authorities, including mistreatment such as harassment, forced exercise sessions lasting up to 16 hours, and the administration of psychotropic drugs. Furthermore, Lebson alleged that Gilman was pressured to fight in Ukraine. These claims have not been independently verified, and Russian officials have not publicly responded.
“The situation with Robert is far beyond anything we have seen with any other American detained in Russia,” Lebson stated, expressing grave concern. He added, “It concerns us that it could end similar to what happened to Otto Warmbier in North Korea. It is urgent that the Russians release Robert now so the U.S. can get him the emergency medical care he needs.”
A State Department spokesperson confirmed Thursday night that, given Gilman's health concerns, the Trump administration “has raised his case repeatedly with the Russian government and has requested his release on humanitarian grounds.” The spokesperson further stated that the White House was “deeply concerned about Robert Gilman's health and continued detention in Russia” and would “continue to track” his case closely. Reuters was the first to report on Gilman's status.
Gilman’s case emerges as the Trump administration considers whether to restart negotiations with Moscow regarding the war in Ukraine. These diplomatic efforts have recently slowed as the administration has shifted its focus to the escalating conflict with Iran and broader Middle East tensions.
In previous instances, the Trump administration successfully secured the release of several Americans held by Russia, including teacher Marc Fogel and Ksenia Karelina, a U.S.-Russian dual citizen who was freed as part of a prisoner exchange. However, sources familiar with such cases indicate that as many as 10 Americans are currently believed to be detained in Russia. Other high-profile Americans released from Russian custody in past years include former Marine Paul Whelan, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, and WNBA star Brittney Griner.
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