Son of CIA deputy director dies fighting for Russia in Ukraine

Michael Gloss, the 21-year-old son of CIA Deputy Director for Digital Innovation Juliane Gallina, died while fighting in Ukraine. 

He had joined the Russian army and signed a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defence, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media.

Michael Gloss was the son of Juliane Gallina, a senior CIA official, and Larry Gloss, an Iraq War veteran who specialises in creating software for the U.S. Army and NATO forces. Despite his background, Michael took a very different path in life, including being a vocal pacifist who advocated for climate change action and protested against the ban on abortion.

In 2023, Michael left his studies and family home to embark on a round-the-world journey. During his travels, he shared photos on social media with the hashtag #endukrainewar, along with images of him assisting with earthquake recovery efforts in Türkiye.

A close friend of Michael revealed that he later began identifying as Hamza and expressed strong support for Palestine. His views became increasingly influenced by conspiracy theories, and he became outspoken about ideas for a "multipolar world."

As part of his journey, Michael obtained a Russian visa in Istanbul and began travelling across Russia. In Moscow, he embraced a more radical stance, acquiring a Soviet flag, creating a profile on the Russian social network VKontakte, and following groups related to Lenin and Stalin. He also posted videos featuring Russian President Vladimir Putin.

His travels eventually led him to a recruitment point for contract service with the Russian military in Moscow. With his visa expiring, he joined the Russian army and was deployed to the frontlines in Ukraine in the spring of 2024. He was assigned to the 137th Airborne Division.

It is believed that Michael Gloss was killed in April 2024 while fighting in the trenches of Donbas. His body was later repatriated, and his funeral took place on December 21, 2024, eight months after his death. It is believed that his family was informed of his death two months before the funeral.