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A young American man, the son of a senior official at the CIA, was killed in Eastern Ukraine while fighting for the Russian military under contract, according to an investigation by independent Russian news sources.
Michael Alexander Gloss, just 21 years old, passed away on April 4, 2024, in an area described as “Eastern Europe,” as noted in a family obituary. His mother, Juliane Gallina, was appointed deputy director for digital innovation at the Central Intelligence Agency in early 2024.
The narrative surrounding Gloss’s death reveals a complex journey from a comfortable upbringing in Virginia to becoming a combatant in the Russian military amid its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. This story reflects broader themes of disillusionment and radicalization, showcasing how certain socio-political sentiments can lead individuals down unexpected paths.
Gloss’s social media presence, particularly on VKontakte, displayed his identity as a high school athlete from a military family. He characterized himself as a proponent of a “multipolar world” and openly expressed disdain for fascism, while also sharing the flags of both Russia and Palestine.
As noted by the investigative platform iStories, Gloss was among over 1,500 foreign nationals who entered into contracts with the Russian military since the onset of the war in Ukraine. Documentation subsequently leaked revealed that he signed his contract in September 2023. Reports indicate that he was deployed to frontline “assault units” by December 2023, and had been part of a Russian airborne regiment engaged in operations near Soledar.
His family’s obituary hailed his “noble heart and warrior spirit,” describing his tragic end without delving into the geopolitical implications of his service or the circumstances of his death.
At university, Gloss had taken part in gender equality initiatives and environmental activism, becoming involved with Rainbow Family, a leftist environmental group. Following a devastating earthquake in Turkey that claimed over 56,000 lives, he traveled there in 2023 to assist with recovery efforts. However, his frustrations toward the U.S. government grew, particularly due to its support for Israel amidst the Gaza conflict.
During his time in Turkey, he increasingly expressed a desire to travel to Russia. An acquaintance mentioned that his anger at American policies and his exposure to conspiracy theories played a significant role in his decision-making process, hinting at a yearning to oppose U.S. involvement in global conflicts.
After securing a visa for Russia, he traversed the country before arriving in Moscow, where he enlisted in the military shortly before his visa expired. According to evidence obtained by iStories, he was initially stationed at a training facility with other foreign recruits, including Nepali soldiers. About three months later, he was dispatched to Ukraine as part of an assault battalion.
Several acquaintances indicated that fighting was not his primary motivation; rather, he sought the opportunity to obtain a Russian passport and establish residency in the country.
Details surrounding Gloss’s death remain murky. Friends reported that the Russian government notified his family of his passing, yet provided scant information regarding the events leading up to it. “It was announced that he died within the borders of Ukraine,” a friend relayed. “We do not know whether he participated in the war. They did not provide any other detailed information.”
It remains uncertain if the Russian authorities conducted a thorough background check on Gloss or were aware of his mother’s prominent position. Attempts to reach the CIA for comments regarding the situation were made, but no response has been publicized.
Source
www.yahoo.com