Robert Gilman, a Marine veteran from Lowell, Massachusetts, who had been detained in Russia since 2022, has been released and is returning to the United States, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey announced Tuesday.
Condition described as dire; family and officials mobilize
Markey’s office said Gilman was freed by Russian authorities after 1,666 days in custody and is expected to land at Andrews Air Force Base later Tuesday. The senator’s statement said Gilman had been diagnosed with a dissociative stupor that left him unable to interact or eat, and that he “was essentially catatonic and also suffered a severe case of pneumonia.”
Markey called the veteran’s condition “near-death” and laid responsibility for his state on Russian authorities, saying Gilman endured “physical torture, forced medication, and provocations” during his detention. The senator said his office had worked with the family for two years to secure the release.
“He was essentially catatonic and also suffered a severe case of pneumonia. We don't yet know the full details of his current condition or the long-term impact on his recovery,” Markey's office said in a statement.
How the release unfolded
President Donald Trump posted about the release on Truth Social, sharing a photo of Gilman draped in an American flag aboard a flight home. In the post, Trump wrote, “After my discussions with President Vladimir Putin, Russia has agreed to release him, very much on a humanitarian basis. We appreciate this decision, and the fact that Russia asked for no one in return.” Trump also said he spoke with Gilman and noted the veteran requested a cheeseburger upon landing.
Markey characterized the release as overdue and said the decision to move only after Gilman’s health had become critical was a tragedy. The senator described the outcome as a testament to the family’s persistence.
Local impact and next steps
Gilman’s return is likely to draw attention in the Lowell community, where veterans’ advocates and family members will be watching for updates about his care and rehabilitation. According to the senator’s statement, Gilman is being flown back to the United States to receive what was described as “life-saving care.”
Federal agencies and local health providers typically coordinate medical evaluations and reintegration services when U.S. citizens detained overseas are repatriated in serious condition. Those services can include immediate hospital care, mental health evaluations, and veteran-specific supports, though specific plans for Gilman’s care were not detailed in the statement.
Timeline
| Detail | Date / Number |
|---|---|
| Time in Russian custody | 1,666 days |
| Detention began | 2022 |
| Release announced | Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 |
| Expected U.S. arrival | Tuesday night (Andrews AFB) |
What officials say and what is still unknown
Public statements from Markey and the White House emphasize the humanitarian nature of the release and the administration’s involvement; details about the negotiations leading to Gilman’s release were not provided. Markey blamed Russian authorities for conditions that left Gilman close to death, while the president framed the outcome as the result of direct discussions with Russian leadership and said no exchange was required.
Officials have not released a comprehensive medical report, and the long-term prognosis for Gilman was not available as of Tuesday. Markey’s statement said the family and his office will continue to work on securing the care he needs.
Support and follow-up
As Gilman returns, local and federal resources for veterans and families of repatriated detainees may be activated. Community members often organize support for returning veterans through veterans’ service organizations and local health systems. The senator’s office did not provide additional logistics about immediate family or public events tied to Gilman’s arrival.
Further updates are expected after Gilman’s arrival at Andrews Air Force Base and following initial medical evaluations. The veteran’s mother, Nancy, was photographed accompanying him on the flight home, according to accounts of the journey.
- Who: Robert Gilman, Marine veteran from Lowell
- What: Released from Russian custody after 1,666 days; en route to U.S. for urgent medical care
- Where: Expected landing at Andrews Air Force Base, Washington, D.C.
This article will be updated as more confirmed details about Gilman’s condition and next steps become available.
