Russia frees detained former U.S. Marine Robert Gilman from a prison in Voronezh, where he has been held since 2022, U.S. officials say. The release follows a humanitarian pardon approved by Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Gilman is transported to the United States for medical treatment.

Accounts across outlets describe Gilman as medically unwell, with U.S. officials and advocates saying he requires care and recovery time. CBS News and other reporting cite assertions from a hostage-crisis expert that he was in very poor condition before his release, while U.S.-sourced details indicate he undergoes medical evaluation during the flight and is then sent to rehabilitation in Texas. The Independent and the Express Tribune say no Russian prisoner exchange is involved, characterizing the decision as a goodwill gesture.

Outlets also differ slightly in emphasis. Some focus on the “wrongfully detained” framing used by the U.S. government. Others note the original Russian case, which stems from an alleged attack on a police officer. Several reports say U.S. government officials urged Russia to release him, and that negotiations precede the pardon.