Witkoff brings Putin-awarded medal to family of American killed in Ukraine

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff presented a Russian medal to the grieving family of an American who was killed fighting for Russia in 2024.

Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin awarded Witkoff the medal—the Order of Courage—which some observers interpreted as a diplomatic jab, given that the deceased, Michael Gloss, 21, was the son of a senior CIA official.

However, Witkoff saw the gesture differently. The Order of Courage is a Russian decoration typically given to Russian citizens for acts of bravery and valour during emergencies, disasters, or wartime. For Witkoff, who lost a son to the opioid epidemic, the personal pain of losing a child transcended politics. He chose to give the medal to Juliane Gallina, the CIA’s Deputy Director for Digital Innovation, and her husband, according to the official.

“She wept with her husband,” the senior official told CNN.

The official emphasised that for Witkoff, the moment “was not about who he fought for, but rather the memories of our children and the overarching message of ‘Let’s end this war.’”

A CIA spokesperson told CNN: “The entire CIA family is heartbroken for their loss. Juliane and her husband shared that ‘we adored our son and grieve his loss every moment. We appreciate privacy at this difficult time.”

The spokesperson added, “Juliane Gallina and her family suffered an unimaginable personal tragedy in the spring of 2024 when her son Michael Gloss, who struggled with mental health issues, died while fighting in the conflict in Ukraine. CIA considers Michael’s passing to be a private family matter for the Gloss family – not a national security issue.”

Witkoff has been a key figure in US efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine, including attending President Donald Trump’s summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska on August 15. He told CNN that the leaders reached “game-changing” agreements regarding security guarantees for Ukraine, though doubts remain about Putin’s commitment to a peace deal.

Earlier this month, Witkoff travelled to Moscow to meet with Putin and also took part in talks involving top Russian and Ukrainian officials held in Saudi Arabia earlier in the year, aimed at advancing efforts to end the conflict.

By Tamilla Hasanova