U.S. Urges Russia to Release Dying Former Marine

The United States government is urging Russia to release Robert Gilman, a 32-year-old former U.S. Marine who is reportedly near death while imprisoned. Gilman was arrested in Voronezh on January 17, 2022, for allegedly kicking a police officer while intoxicated. His sentence was subsequently extended following convictions for assaulting a state investigator and prison officials.

Family members and advocacy groups report that Gilman has been subjected to torture and the administration of mind-altering drugs. These conditions led to a stupor in June that required the use of tube feeding. The Trump administration has stated it is closely tracking the case and has made repeated outreach to Russian authorities to secure his return.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio raised the issue of Gilman's detention with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during a meeting in Manila on July 23, though Lavrov's response was not disclosed. The U.S. State Department and the White House continue to call for his release to receive urgent medical treatment.