“This as a welcome step that we hope leads to the release of Americans unjustly held in Russia, such as wrongful detainee Stephen Hubbard,” it said. Markey had called on Russia and the U.S. to work together to get the Massachusetts resident released. Markey blamed Russia for Gilman's poor health, saying his return to the U.S. was long overdue. There is no doubt that his treatment by Russian authorities is the reason Robert is in this precarious state today.” The Associated Press was making efforts to get comment from Russian officials on Gilman's release.