Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a sinister message to a CIA official as President Donald Trump's negotiating envoy disbanded after negotiations for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
The ceasefire isn't likely to move forward as Putin continues to demand that Ukraine hand over territory, but Putin sent the award, "The Order of Lenin," which is made for Russians who give outstanding service to their country. But he didn't give it to a Russian; he gave it to the family of a dead American who fought in Ukraine beside Russia.
The family of 21-year-old Michael Gloss is grieving their loss, but according to CBS News, Putin is "known for mind games and attempts to expose adversaries' points of weakness." The report said the "award" was "likely meant to raise unhelpful questions and highlight that a CIA official's son fought for Russia in the war."
Gloss' mother, Juliane Gallina, is the CIA deputy director for digital innovation, and his father, Larry Gloss, served during the Iraq War.
"In a statement in April, CIA officials said the death of Gallina's son, who struggled with mental health challenges, was not a national security issue. Two sources familiar with the matter told CBS News there was no indication that Gloss had been recruited by the Russian government, and that the Kremlin did not appear to be aware of Gloss's family background when it repatriated his remains," the report said.
"Our biggest fear while we were waiting for him to be repatriated was that someone over there [in Moscow] would put two and two together and figure out who his mother was, and use him as a prop," Gloss' father said.
While the award was sent to the parents, it could also be seen as needling Trump as "weak." Trump has trashed Putin for several weeks, noting that they've refused to come up with an agreeable solution.
Trump spent most of 2024 bragging that he could stop the war in 24 hours.
In a debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump claimed, “That is a war that’s dying to be settled. I will get it settled before I even become president."
Speaking on Friday, Trump made the excuse that it has only been six months since he's been in office.