Putin gives Trump envoy award for CIA official's son killed fighting in Ukraine

August 9, 2025

President Vladimir Putin awarded the Order of Lenin to Steve Witkoff during his Moscow visit to deliver to a CIA official whose son, Michael Gloss, died fighting for Russia in Ukraine. The 21-year-old Gloss, who struggled with mental health issues and was not a CIA employee, was the son of Juliane Gallina, the CIA's deputy director for digital innovation. News of this award emerged alongside confirmation that Trump and Putin will meet in Alaska to discuss the Ukraine war.

Who is affected

Juliane Gallina, CIA deputy director for digital innovation
The family of Michael Gloss, including his father Larry Gloss
Steve Witkoff, Trump's special envoy
The CIA organization

What action is being taken

Putin is presenting the Order of Lenin to Steve Witkoff to pass on to Juliane Gallina
Trump and Putin are scheduled to meet in Alaska next Friday to discuss the Ukraine war
Witkoff is in Moscow discussing a plan to end the Ukraine war

Why it matters

The situation connects a high-ranking CIA official's family directly to Russian military operations in Ukraine
The award presentation coincides with preparations for a significant diplomatic meeting between Trump and Putin
The case raises potential national security concerns, though the CIA stated Gloss's death was not a national security issue
It highlights Russia's potential awareness of connections between foreign fighters and US intelligence officials

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC