Putin Honors CIA Official's Son Amid Tensions in Ukraine

President Putin presented the Order of Lenin to U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to honor Michael Gloss, son of CIA's deputy director, who died fighting in Ukraine. This development comes as Trump and Putin prepare for a meeting in Alaska to address the war's future.

President Vladimir Putin has made headlines by presenting the Order of Lenin to Steven Witkoff, the special U.S. envoy for President Donald Trump, to honor the memory of Michael Gloss, a 21-year-old who was killed in Ukraine. Sources indicate that Gloss was the son of Juliane Gallina, the CIA's deputy director for digital innovation. The award was revealed during Witkoff's visit to Moscow as part of efforts to broach discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing Ukraine conflict, according to reports from the BBC's U.S. partner, CBS.

Michael Gloss's death occurred last year while he was engaged with Russian forces. Reports suggest that the Kremlin may not have initially known of Gloss's connection to the CIA. He had previously expressed support for Russia on social media, labeling the Ukraine conflict as a "proxy war" and dismissing Western media narratives. Despite the CIA confirming his struggles with mental health, they clarified that he was never an employee of the agency.

The posthumous awarding of the Order of Lenin, a significant honor reserved for exemplary civilian service, has drawn attention, with many questioning its implications amid U.S.-Russian tensions. As Trump and Putin are set to meet in Alaska next week to discuss the war's trajectory, the fate of Gloss’s award remains uncertain, with no comments forthcoming from the White House or the CIA regarding the matter. Gloss's father, Larry Gloss, expressed concern over his son's treatment in Russia, highlighting the tragedy and complexity surrounding his death.