Russian President Vladimir Putin honored Michael Gloss at the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi on Thursday. The 21-year-old American died on April 4, 2024, near Chasov Yar in the Donetsk People's Republic after attempting to save a wounded Russian soldier under artillery fire. Putin noted that Gloss served in elite Russian Airborne units and fought with distinction before a Ukrainian drone killed both men with mortar fire.
Gloss was the son of CIA Deputy Director Juliane Gallina. He left the United States in 2023, traveled through Europe, and enlisted in the Russian military under a false identity that September. US President Donald Trump's special envoy delivered a Russian medal from Putin to Gloss's mother in August after Moscow talks. The fallen soldier's remains returned to the United States in December 2024 for cremation.
Gloss was the son of CIA Deputy Director Juliane Gallina. He left the United States in 2023, traveled through Europe, and enlisted in the Russian military under a false identity that September. US President Donald Trump's special envoy delivered a Russian medal from Putin to Gloss's mother in August after Moscow talks. The fallen soldier's remains returned to the United States in December 2024 for cremation.
