April 26, 2025 | 01:23 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The son of the Deputy Director of the CIA, Julianne Gallina, was killed while fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine last year. The report of the death of a 21-year-old named Michael Alexander Gloss was first reported by the investigative news media IStories, cited by The Moscow Times, on Friday, April 25, 2025, based on leaked data from the Moscow military recruitment center.
Gloss died on April 4, 2024, according to the death notice posted by the funeral home in Fairfax, Virginia. IStories reported that the Russian authorities informed his family about his death in October. He was repatriated and buried in his hometown in December 2024.
The obituary did not mention Gloss's military service location. He was said to have been tragically killed in Eastern Europe.
Gallina was appointed as the CIA Deputy Director for digital innovation in February 2024. Gloss's father, Larry Gloss, a U.S. Navy veteran, became the president of a security-focused software firm in May 2024.
According to IStories, Gloss was previously a climate activist who left school to travel. He joined the countercultural group Rainbow Family in Turkey and Italy and supported the pro-Palestinian movement. He arrived in Russia in August 2023 after obtaining a visa in Turkey and enrolled at a contract military recruitment center in Moscow the following month.
Gloss underwent brief training with Nepalese mercenaries before being deployed to a parachute jump base in Ryazan. He was reportedly assigned to an assault unit sent to eastern Ukraine in December 2023 and last appeared online in mid-March, weeks before he was killed in an offensive operation near Soledar in the Donetsk region.
NBC News reported that Gloss traveled through Europe before arriving in Russia on August 13, 2023. On his Vkontakte profile, He said he ran away from home and traveled around the world. He also hates fascism.
Gloss is Known as an Environmental and Peace Activist
Gloss studied Human Ecology at Middlebury College in Vermont and was described as an environmental activist, women's rights supporter, and anti-fascist. He made Instagram posts with anti-fascist graffiti in March 2023, with the hashtag "end the war in Ukraine."
According to the investigation, Gloss was enrolled in the 137th Ryazan Airborne Regiment of Russia, which found some pictures and videos about his recruitment process, as well as conversations with some of his fellow recruits. A Russian soldier who served with him said he was a loyal supporter and loved Russia. On April 4, 2024, he was killed. He likely died during a Russian attack near Bakhmut.
Gloss told his family that he was working in Russia to obtain citizenship and save money for a trip to Africa. He was one of more than 1,500 foreign citizens from 48 countries registered in the leaked recruitment database since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
His friends told IStories that he hoped to obtain Russian citizenship and attract investors for environmental projects. Some friends said Gloss never intended to fight, while others believed conspiracy theories might have influenced him. In a tribute obituary for Gloss, his friend said he wanted the world to be a better, fairer, peaceful, and harmonious place with nature.
Editor's Choice: Trump Accuses Ukraine's Zelensky of Harmful Statements on Russia Talks
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesia and Japan Explore Deeper Military Collaboration
19 jam lalu
Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin welcomed the Chief of Staff of Japan's Joint Self-Defense Forces General Yoshida Yoshihide in Jakarta.
Trump Accuses Ukraine's Zelensky of Harmful Statements on Russia Talks
1 hari lalu
Trump criticizes Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for refusing to cede territory to Russia.
Indonesia, Estonia Call for Ukraine Peace Talks
1 hari lalu
Indonesia and Estonia have agreed to support a peaceful resolution in Ukraine through inclusive diplomacy.
Military Presence on Campuses Threatens Academic Freedom, Activist Says
1 hari lalu
Activist linked the military's presence to student protests against the new TNI Law, suggesting it sees their criticism as a threat.
Ramzan Kadyrov's 17-Year-Old Son Appointed Chechnya's Security Council Secretary
2 hari lalu
Ramzan Kadyrov's son has previously served as his personal bodyguard, a trustee at the Chechen Special Forces University, and a battalion observer.
Why Are People Buying More Gold Despite Soaring Prices? Researcher Explains
2 hari lalu
Gold prices have surged, but demand remains high as people view it as a safe investment amid global uncertainty and low interest rates.
Intimidation for Opponents of the TNI Law Revision
2 hari lalu
There are indications that the military intimidates people opposed to the revised TNI Law. Opposition movements continue to appear.
World Reacts to Pope Francis' Death
4 hari lalu
The death of Pope Francis has prompted an outpouring of condolences from global leaders and institutions, who praised his legacy of humility.
Civil Society Coalition Condemns Indonesian Military's Presence in Universities
5 hari lalu
The presence of Indonesian military (TNI) personnel in several universities is considered as surveillance of academic activities.
UN Urges Permanent Ceasefire Between Russia, Ukraine
5 hari lalu
The United Nations (UN) has responded to Russia's announcement of a temporary ceasefire during Easter in Ukraine.
