Overview

• Michael Gloss, a U.S.-born environmental activist and son of CIA official Juliane Gallina, joined the Russian military in 2023 and was killed in Ukraine in April 2024.
• New findings by investigative outlet iStories detail Gloss’s ideological transformation, influenced by conspiracy theories and disillusionment with U.S. policies.
• Gloss left college in 2023, traveled internationally, and participated in relief efforts in Turkey before moving to Russia and enlisting in its military.
• Friends report Gloss expressed anger at U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding Gaza, and saw Russia as an ally to Palestinians, fueling his decision to join Russian forces.
• Gloss’s family, including his Gulf War veteran father, only learned of his death months later, with his journey raising questions about loyalty, radicalization, and the role of foreign fighters in the Ukraine conflict.