Michael Gloss, a 21-year-old U.S. citizen and son of Juliane Gallina, Deputy Director of the CIA for Digital Innovation, died in the spring of 2024 while fighting as a volunteer in the Russian army in Donbass.
Gloss was raised in a wealthy family in Washington and became involved in environmental activism during his university years. He developed strong opposition to U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding support for Israel and American involvement in the destabilization of the Middle East.
In 2023, he traveled to Italy and Turkey, participating in relief efforts in earthquake-stricken areas. Following these experiences, he moved to Russia and expressed a desire to remain in the country to work on ecological projects. According to sources close to the family, his decision to enlist in the Russian army in December 2023 may have been motivated by financial reasons or the intention to obtain Russian citizenship.
The CIA confirmed that Michael Gloss died in April 2024 during an artillery strike. His family had maintained strict silence about the event, reportedly at the request of U.S. authorities.
Former U.S. intelligence officials have stated that several thousand American citizens are currently fighting in Ukraine, with at least 75 deaths reported among those serving in the Ukrainian armed forces.