Trump explained what Gilman asked for after returning from Russia
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Russia had released former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman on humanitarian grounds and without exchanging him for Russian prisoners. According to Trump, Moscow did not demand anything in return. Upon his return to the U.S., 32-year-old Gilman is heading to a military hospital in Texas, and his first request after his release was a plain cheeseburger.
Donald Trump welcomed Robert Gilman’s return to the U.S. The president stated that Russian leader Vladimir Putin agreed to release the American on humanitarian grounds. According to Trump, there was no traditional prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia this time. He claims that Putin did not ask for anything in return for the American’s release.
Previously, U.S. authorities had repeatedly called on Moscow to release Gilman. The White House and the State Department emphasized that he needed medical treatment in the U.S. His family had previously reported a serious deterioration in the 32-year-old veteran’s health. According to his relatives, the situation was so dire that they feared for his life.
Gilman returned to the U.S. after years in a Russian prison
Robert Gilman was taken into custody in Russia back in 2022. He was detained in Voronezh while traveling by train. Russian authorities accused the American of allegedly kicking a police officer while intoxicated. For this, Gilman was sentenced to four and a half years in prison.
His father, Vladimir, who had previously moved from Russia to the U.S., denied this version of events. He explained that his son was feeling unwell at the time and may have accidentally bumped into the officer. According to his father, the police officer was not injured, withdrew his complaint, and no convincing evidence was presented during the trial to show that Gilman had intentionally attacked him. After several years in the Russian prison system, the American finally returned home.
Gilman is set to undergo treatment
The former Marine is currently on his way to a military hospital in Texas. There, doctors will conduct a comprehensive medical and psychological evaluation. Afterward, Gilman is expected to receive the necessary treatment and undergo rehabilitation. U.S. officials have previously emphasized that his condition requires professional care.
Gilman’s exact diagnosis has not been publicly disclosed. However, it was previously reported that due to serious health issues, he was transferred from the prison hospital to the psychiatric ward of a civilian hospital.
Gilman’s first request was very simple
Despite his serious condition and the years spent behind bars, upon his return to the U.S., Gilman didn’t ask for anything complicated at all. Trump said the man wanted a cheeseburger. “I just spoke with him, and he had one request—a great cheeseburger when he lands. I’ll take care of it!” the U.S. president said.
For a man who spent several years in a Russian prison and now needs medical treatment, such a request may seem very simple. But it was precisely this that became one of the first symbolic moments of Gilman’s return home. Now, doctors, medical exams, and recovery await the American. And most importantly—the chance to finally be with his family and receive care in the U.S.
Russia, the aggressor state, released 32-year-old former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman, who had been serving a sentence in a Russian prison.
