Marine Veteran Held in Russia Since 2022 Is Hospitalized
An advocate for Robert Gilman's family says the 32-year-old is in a "dissociative stupor" and being fed through a tube, and is urging the Trump administration to press for his release.
An American Marine Corps veteran detained in Russia since 2022 has been hospitalized in serious condition, according to an advocate for his family, who is pressing the Trump administration to seek his immediate release on humanitarian grounds.
Robert Gilman, 32, is being held at a Russian hospital in what Eric Lebson of Global Reach, the advocate for Gilman's family, described as a "dissociative stupor." Lebson said Gilman is being fed through a tube in his nose.
Lebson alleged that Russian authorities have mistreated Gilman, including through harassment, forced exercise sessions lasting as long as 16 hours and the administration of psychotropic drugs. He also alleged that Gilman was pressured to fight in Ukraine. CBS News has not independently verified those claims, and Russian officials have not publicly responded.
"The situation with Robert is far beyond anything we have seen with any other American detained in Russia," Lebson said. "It concerns us that it could end similar to what happened to Otto Warmbier in North Korea. It is urgent that the Russians release Robert now so the U.S. can get him the emergency medical care he needs."
A State Department spokesperson told CBS News on Thursday night that, given Gilman's health, the administration "has raised his case repeatedly with the Russian government and has requested his release on humanitarian grounds." The spokesperson said the White House was "deeply concerned about Robert Gilman's health and continued detention in Russia" and "will continue to track" the case closely.
Reuters was first to report on Gilman's condition.
The case comes as the administration weighs whether to try to restart negotiations with Moscow over the war in Ukraine. Those efforts have slowed in recent weeks as officials have focused on the escalating conflict with Iran and broader Middle East tensions.
The administration has previously secured the release of several Americans held by Russia, including teacher Ksenia Karelina, a U.S.-Russian dual citizen freed in a prisoner exchange. As many as 10 Americans are believed to be detained in Russia, according to sources familiar with their cases.
Other Americans released from Russian custody in earlier years include former Marine Paul Whelan, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich and WNBA star Brittney Griner.
This article was produced with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI), in accordance with our editorial policy.
