U.S. Marine Veteran’s Release Highlights Plight of Americans in Russian Detention

Kieran Ramsey, the chief investigative officer for Global Reach, provided details on the harsh conditions experienced by U.S. Marine veteran Robert Gilman during his wrongful detention in Russia. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Ramsey stressed the need for the immediate release of five other Americans still held in Russian custody.

Ramsey collaborated with U.S. officials to secure Gilman’s release after 1,666 days in a Russian prison. He credited President Donald Trump’s leadership for Gilman’s return, attributing it to a firm humanitarian request to Russian authorities.

“Mr. Gilman is home due to President Trump’s leadership,” Ramsey stated. “The president’s team pressed Russia for his release on humanitarian grounds, and it was effective, thanks to quiet diplomacy by figures like Steve Witkoff and Secretary Rubio.”

Gilman was released to U.S. authorities on a Tuesday. His arrest occurred in Voronezh, Russia, in 2022 during an unintended stopover while traveling to a teaching job in Moldova. Ramsey recounted the incident.

“The nightmare began when Gilman, transiting Moscow en route to Moldova, became ill and needed care,” Ramsey explained. “His recovery was interrupted by another bout of illness on the way to renewing his passport at the U.S. Embassy. The Russian police mistook him for being drunk, assaulted him, and the situation escalated.”

Ramsey described Gilman’s mistreatment in prison, including brutal beatings and psychological abuse. The threats of a hit team targeting his family in Boston were part of the mental torture.

When questioned about the threat’s authenticity, Ramsey dismissed it as disinformation meant to torment Gilman.

After his release, Gilman is hospitalized in the U.S., receiving medical care as a State Department-designated wrongful detainee. Steve Witkoff and Sebastian Gorka greeted him upon arrival back in the U.S.

Global Reach currently represents five other Americans detained in Russia. Ramsey believes they also qualify as wrongfully detained under the Robert Levinson Hostage-Taking and Accountability Act.

Ramsey explained the State Department’s challenges in classifying detainees as wrongfully detained, as doing so may complicate diplomatic negotiations with Russia.

He shared stories of the five clients, each facing health challenges while imprisoned:

• Alexander Antonov, a businessman from California, was detained in Russia over a year ago. While returning from Ukraine, Russian authorities targeted him for carrying a U.S. passport.
• David Barnes, from Texas, visited Russia to reclaim his children amidst a custody dispute. His former wife’s allegations led to his arrest, and he’s been in prison for over four years.
• Olga Jezler, from New York, was detained for carrying legal CBD oil while visiting her sick sister. She faces health risks in prison.
• Andre Khachatoorian, transiting to Armenia with a rifle, was arrested despite having proper documentation. He suffers from a worsening autoimmune disease.
• Chuck Zimmerman, originally from Virginia, was detained in international waters by the Russian Navy. Charged with arms trafficking, he endures severe medical issues.

Ramsey emphasized the urgency of the U.S. designating his clients as wrongfully detained to maintain momentum after Gilman’s release. “We must keep the pressure up to ensure these individuals’ names are known and that the U.S. Government does all it can to secure their release,” he urged.

Fox News Digital reached out to the U.S. State Department for comments on these detentions.