President Vladimir Putin of Russia made history last night by bestowing upon Juliane Gallina of the CIA the Soviet-era Order of Lenin award intended for her late son Michael Gloss who died fighting Russian forces in Ukraine; it was given to U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff at recent Moscow peace discussions according to reports in The Moscow Times.
The Daily Beast This gesture appears designed to bring up sensitive questions in Washington about a personal tragedy that struck one of U.S. intelligence officials, CBS News reported that this award likely meant to highlight how one CIA official’s son died as part of a Russian assault unit–making his loss a geopolitical flashpoint.
The Daily Beast +9 The Moscow Times +9 The Kyiv Independent +9
Tragedy and Provocation at Work
Michael Gloss, 21, died fighting alongside Russian troops in Donetsk in April 2024 and according to U.S. intelligence sources and family statements there is no indication he was recruited by Moscow; nor that they knew about his mother’s position when his remains were returned back to America for burial. From U.S. intelligence sources and family statements gathered, none have indicated recruitment by Moscow nor were aware of his mother’s standing when his remains were returned for burial by U.S. intelligence sources and CBS News
Gallina and her family have described her death as an “unimaginable personal tragedy”, one that the CIA considers private rather than national security-related. These accounts include Yahoo News, The Daily Beast and CBS News.
Diplomatic Masterstroke or Mind Game?
Putin’s move to award a Soviet-era honor through Trump envoy Steve Witkoff – widely seen as an unconventional diplomatic intermediary to Moscow – underscored his flair for dramatics and political messaging. Witkoff, a former real-estate developer who serves as Trump’s representative during sensitive talks with Moscow such as prior prisoner exchange negotiations – underscored Putin’s flair for dramatization and political messaging. From CBS News:
+5
This calculated act comes just days before President Putin is scheduled to meet former President Trump for what analysts see as being an essential meeting to advance prospects of peace in Ukraine. Analysts speculate this action was meant to unnerve U.S. administration or gain psychological advantage ahead of high stakes negotiations, according to The Daily Beast.
Global Response and Implications of Crisis Events
White House officials, the CIA and Witkoff himself have declined to offer comment, while the Russian Embassy in Washington responded neutrally with no official commentary or denials of involvement in any way.
Observers at The Moscow Times emphasize the Order of Lenin is deeply symbolic, symbolizing ideological loyalty and long-term service to Soviet interests. Thus, Putin’s selection of this medal – once given out to British double agent Kim Philby–adds additional layers of meaning given its legacy of espionage during cold war history. The Daily Beast/UNITED24 Media
With Trump-Putin summit approaching, Moscow could use their maneuver as a distraction or leverage tool. Putin may demonstrate his willingness to use personal sadness for political advantage by employing psychological warfare tactics against Trump.
As Russia and the United States navigate their delicate diplomatic relationship, this award could be more than symbolic; it may signify how even grief has the power to be used as a battleground in geopolitical competition.