U.S. Marine veteran Robert Gilman was almost on "death's door" before Russia released him, advocate says

Key Points:

• Robert Gilman, a U.S. Marine veteran detained in Russia since 2022, was released this week after being in critical health condition, described as nearly on "death's door" by hostage crisis experts.
• Gilman, now in Texas, is receiving medical treatment at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio and faces a prolonged recovery process.
• Advocates allege Gilman endured mistreatment in Russian custody, including harassment, forced long-duration exercise, psychotropic drugs, and pressure to fight in Ukraine, though these claims have not been independently verified.
• The U.S. State Department, including the Trump administration, repeatedly raised Gilman’s case with Russian authorities and sought his release on humanitarian grounds due to his deteriorating health.
• Gilman's release highlights ongoing efforts to free Americans detained abroad, with at least 10 others still held in Russia and additional detainees in Iran and China.