A CIA official’s son died fighting in Ukraine, but which side he fought for has become a point of international intrigue amidst allegations he joined Russian forces.
At a Glance
- Michael Gloss, son of CIA deputy director Juliane Gallina, was killed in Ukraine in 2024
- Russian news outlets claim he joined Russian forces, while the CIA describes his death as a private family matter
- His family’s obituary avoided mentioning Russia or the war, describing his death as occurring during travels in Eastern Europe
- Gloss reportedly became increasingly critical of the U.S. and supportive of Russia before traveling to Moscow
- His journey from Virginia to Ukraine highlights the complex intersection of personal struggles and international conflict
A Family’s Tragedy Becomes an International Story
The Central Intelligence Agency confirmed that Michael Gloss, son of senior CIA official Juliane Gallina, died “while fighting in the conflict in Ukraine” in 2024. The circumstances surrounding his death have rapidly transformed from a private family tragedy into an international narrative with significant geopolitical implications. Russian news sources have claimed that Gloss had joined Russian forces in their war against Ukraine, though the CIA has not confirmed which side he was fighting for when he died.
“CIA considers Michael’s passing to be a private family matter for the Gloss family — not a national security issue,” a CIA spokesperson said. “The entire CIA family is heartbroken for their loss.”
Gloss’s mother, Juliane Gallina, serves as a deputy director at the CIA with expertise in technology and cybersecurity. His father, Larry Gloss, is a Navy veteran who also works in the cybersecurity field. The family has requested privacy during their time of grief, with the CIA spokesperson noting that “Juliane and her husband shared that ‘we adored our son and grieve his loss every moment. We appreciate privacy at this difficult time.'”
A Complicated Journey to Eastern Europe
According to reports, Gloss had been dealing with mental health challenges before his death. His family’s obituary described him as having “forged his own hero’s journey when he was tragically killed in Eastern Europe,” notably avoiding any mention of Russia or his alleged participation in combat operations. The obituary instead highlighted his physical strength, thoughtfulness, and principles, remembering him for his “noble heart” and “warrior spirit.”
“With his noble heart and warrior spirit Michael was forging his own hero’s journey when he was tragically killed in Eastern Europe on April 4, 2024” his family stated in the obituary.
Gloss attended Oakton High School in Virginia and later the College of the Atlantic, showing early interests in environmental causes and social justice. Reports indicate he participated in gender equality and environmental protests and joined the Rainbow Family group. He also reportedly traveled to Turkey to provide aid following an earthquake. His journey from middle-class Virginia to Ukraine represents an unexpected turn influenced by multiple factors, including reported online radicalization.
Conflicting Narratives and Unanswered Questions
Social media posts allegedly made by Gloss showed him in Moscow expressing support for Russia’s war effort. According to some reports, he described himself as a supporter of a multipolar world, expressed disdain for fascism, and showed support for both Russia and Palestine. Sources suggest he became increasingly critical of the United States, particularly regarding its support for Israel, and may have been influenced by conspiracy theories found online.
“He was usually watching videos about Palestine and was so angry at America” one acquaintance reported.
Reports claim Gloss was one of over 1,500 foreigners who signed contracts with the Russian military since February 2022, allegedly joining in September 2023. He reportedly obtained a Russian visa, traveled to Moscow, and joined the military, training with Nepali soldiers before deployment to Ukraine. Some acquaintances have suggested that his primary goal may not have been combat but rather obtaining a Russian passport to remain in the country. The exact circumstances of his death remain unknown, with his family reportedly receiving limited information from Russian authorities.
A Legacy of Questions
In lieu of flowers, the family’s obituary suggested donations to charities supporting refugees, environmental causes, and mental health initiatives—perhaps reflecting the complex values that shaped Gloss’s worldview. What remains unclear is whether Russian military officials were aware of Gloss’s connections to the CIA through his mother, a high-ranking intelligence official. The CIA has been approached for additional comment on this sensitive matter.
“It was announced that he died within the borders of Ukraine” a friend stated, confirming the location but leaving many questions unanswered about the circumstances.
As investigations continue into the full story of Michael Gloss’s journey from Virginia to Ukraine, his case highlights the deeply personal dimensions of global conflicts and the sometimes unexpected ways they intersect with individual lives. The tragedy of his death serves as a reminder of how international tensions can manifest in profoundly personal ways, affecting families regardless of their position or background.
