US envoy delivers Russian medal to American family of fallen fighter

US special envoy Steve Witkoff presented a Russian medal to the family of an American who died fighting for Russia in 2024, as confirmed by a senior administration official to CNN.

The medal, the Order of Courage, was given by Russian President Vladimir Putin to Witkoff earlier this month. Some viewed this gesture as a diplomatic move, especially since the American killed, Michael Gloss, 21, was the son of a senior CIA official.

Witkoff, who lost a son to the opioid epidemic, believed the act transcended geopolitics. He decided to give the medal to Juliane Gallina, the CIA’s deputy director for digital innovation, and her husband. According to the official, Gallina was moved to tears upon receiving the medal.

The moment was described as a tribute to the memories of their children and a call to end the war, rather than focusing on who they fought for, as stated by the official.

A CIA spokesperson expressed condolences for the loss, emphasizing that the Gloss family's tragedy is a private matter and not a national security concern for the agency.

Witkoff has been actively involved in US efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, participating in talks with Russian and Ukrainian officials and playing a role in discussions with President Trump and Putin. Despite some progress in security agreements for Ukraine, uncertainties remain about Putin's commitment to a peace deal.