Putin releases former US Marine without receiving anything in return
Russia has freed former US Marine Robert Gilman without exchanging him for a Russian citizen — an unusual move seen as a possible bid by Putin to win favor with Washington amid difficulties over the war in Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the release of former US Marine Robert Gilman from custody, without receiving any Russian citizen in exchange. The news was reported by the outlet News.sky.com.
Typically, when Russia releases a detained American citizen, it happens as part of a swap for a Russian national held in the United States. This was the case with journalist Evan Gershkovich and in the large prisoner exchange of 2024. Similarly, in 2022 basketball player Brittney Griner was traded for convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout.
No exchange this time
Gilman had spent more than four years in prison. He was released after reports emerged last week that his health had deteriorated severely and he was close to death. Citing an unnamed US official, Reuters reported that Putin confirmed the release of the former Marine as a "goodwill gesture."
Possible motives
Such a one-sided move by Moscow is considered unusual, since Russia rarely gives something away for free. Observers suggest it may be a not-so-subtle attempt by the Kremlin to please the White House in hopes of diplomatic benefits, possibly connected to the war in Ukraine, which continues to create mounting problems for Putin. For now it is being viewed as a gesture, but there is an assumption that Russia expects something beneficial in return down the line.
