Michael Gloss’s journey from an American climate activist to a soldier on the front lines of the Ukraine conflict ended tragically—offering a sobering reminder of the profound consequences of ideological pursuits.
Quick Takes
- Michael Gloss, son of CIA official Juliane Gallina, died in the Donetsk region of Ukraine in April 2024.
- Gloss was an ardent climate activist and once enrolled at the College of the Atlantic.
- He joined the Russian military seeking citizenship and to advance his environmental initiatives.
- The family held his funeral in Fairfax, Virginia, underscoring the complexity of his choices.
From Activism to Battlefield
Michael Gloss, at just 21 years old, stood at the nexus of family legacy and personal conviction. Born to CIA deputy director Juliane Gallina and Navy veteran Larry Gloss, Michael’s early years were steeped in intense geopolitical dynamics. He attended the College of the Atlantic in 2021, renowned for its emphasis on nature, furthering his passion for climate activism.
In 2022, Gloss was detained at a climate protest in Washington, D.C. His discontent with the American political system, coupled with an interest in conspiracy theories, set the stage for a radical decision-making trajectory. Seeking to carve his path, Gloss traversed Europe and Turkey, adopting a medieval persona and embracing the counter-culture group “Rainbow Family”.
Joining the Russian Military
In August 2023, Gloss crossed into Russia through Georgia, determined to join the Russian military. He aimed to achieve Russian citizenship while furthering environmental causes. By September, he was enrolled in the 137th Ryazan Airborne Regiment. Gloss entered unexpected terrain as he believed he had useful skills for the front line, honed from a background in construction and engineering.
“When I finally figured out how the U.S. political system works, I realised that violence is an integral part of it,” Gloss wrote on Telegram.
Gloss’s training group mainly comprised Nepalese nationals. He was observed in military fatigues and a red keffiyeh at Moscow’s Avangard training center. By December 2023, Gloss confirmed his presence in Russia to friends. Soon after, he was part of assault units deployed in the Donetsk region.
The Fallout and Reflection
Michael Gloss’s life came to an abrupt end in April 2024 during a reported offensive by his division. The complexities of his decisions unfolded across international headlines, his actions dissected by analysts and family alike. His family, informed two months posthumously, held his funeral in December 2024, focusing on his love for nature and omitting his military involvement. A fellow soldier recalled Gloss’s “vision of being useful at the front”, underscoring a belief in contributing constructively to his environment.
Throughout his radical transformation, Gloss left a cautionary tale: one that bridges divergent worlds, ideological fervor, and familial legacies.
