Son of CIA deputy director killed in Ukraine fighting for Russia — report

A 21-year-old American citizen, Michael Gloss, the son of CIA Deputy Director for Digital Innovation Julian Gallina Gloss, was killed in April 2024 while fighting in Ukraine on the Russian side, the investigative outlet Important Stories reported.

According to the outlet, Gloss signed a contract with Russia’s Ministry of Defense and served on the front lines. His father, Larry Gloss, is a U.S. Navy veteran who served in Iraq.

Michael studied at the private College of the Atlantic and was active in climate protests and demonstrations against abortion bans. In 2023, he dropped out to travel the world and became involved with the hippie movement known as the Rainbow Family.

During his travels, Gloss helped with reconstruction efforts in Hatay, Turkey, following an earthquake. Later, he traveled to Russia. In August 2023, he reported being in Vladikavkaz, visited music festivals near Moscow, and found temporary accommodation in the capital.

On September 1, he noted that his visa was expiring. By September 5, his information appeared in Moscow’s unified medical system with the address of a Russian military recruitment office. He underwent military training at the Avangard center and was later deployed to the front.

Michael was buried in the United States on December 21, 2024 — eight months after his death. His family did not mention his service in the Russian army in the obituary.