The Battle for Bakhmut

U.S. Media

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14 days

Summary

sources
8
Narrative Items
8
Bottom Line Up Front

8 sources in U.S. Media are amplifying 8 narrative items relating to the narrative of Michael Gloss, a young man whose complex identity as an eco-activist and anti-fascist contrasts sharply with his enlistment in the Russian army. This juxtaposition highlights themes of loyalty, identity, and the often-hidden motivations behind personal choices in conflict.

Reviewing a number of the most relevant narrative items indicates that Crooks and Liars paints a negative portrayal of the situation surrounding Michael Gloss's death. The language used is stark, focusing on the irony of a CIA deputy director's son fighting for a country often positioned as an adversary. The article highlights the hypocrisy of his family's initial concealment of his military involvement, using emotionally charged phrases to underscore the conflict between his eco-activist past and his choice to enlist. This narrative aims to provoke a strong reaction from readers by framing Gloss's story as a cautionary tale of ideological conflict and betrayal. While Crooks and Liars emphasizes the moral implications of his decision, other media outlets may approach the subject with less sensationalism, focusing instead on the broader ramifications of foreign fighters in the Ukraine conflict. Overall, this coverage reveals a distinctive bias, reflecting the platform's critical stance toward military engagement and the politics surrounding it.

About This Module

The U.S. Media module tracks a broad range of American media sources, including major television, cable, print, and online organizations.

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Geospatial

This map shows narrative amplification activity by sources in this module. Red indicates origin, yellow is destination.
Origin
Destination
The narrative initially emerged from Washington, headed for Kyiv. As it spread, the most frequent point of origin remained Washington, with Kyiv remaining the primary destination. There are a total of 4 points of origin, and 5 destinations. Hide details...
25 Apr 2025: Washington ▸ Kyiv
25 Apr 2025: East Los Angeles ▸ McLean
27 Apr 2025: Rome ▸ Kyiv
01 May 2025: Washington ▸ Kyiv
03 May 2025: Fort Lauderdale ▸ New York
03 May 2025: Washington ▸ Jerusalem
03 May 2025: Washington ▸ Beijing

Sources

Sources by Type
Sources of these types represent most of the amplification activity around this narrative
sources by Volume
These sources are amplifying the most items involved in this narrative. Click to see details of each source's narrative activity.
Top sources
Day-by-day volumetric activity of sources amplifying the most items around this narrative
Independent Journal Review
13% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
The Cipher Brief
13% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Crooks and Liars
13% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
National Interest
13% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Bizpac Review
13% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
Daily Caller
13% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
National Catholic Register
13% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
GlobalSecurity.org
13% of the items in this brief were amplified by this source.
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Top Items

These narrative items are the most relevant and/or the most amplified. Click to see details and suggested messages.
Amplifiers:
Crooks and Liars
crooksandliars.com
CIA Deputy Director’s Son Killed While Fighting For Russia In Ukraine
Michael Gloss, 21, son of a CIA deputy director, died fighting for Russia in Ukraine in 2024. Despite his background as an eco-activist and anti-fascist, he enlisted in the Russian army, a fact his family initially concealed. His death was reported months later, and his obituary omitted his involvement in the conflict.
Amplifiers:
GlobalSecurity.org
globalsecurity.org
How Ukrainian Cities Were Wiped Out By Russian Glide Bombs And Artillery
Russian glide bombs and artillery have devastated numerous Ukrainian cities, including Chasiv Yar, Toretsk, Vovchansk, Bakhmut, and Maryinka. These weapons, along with other artillery, have reduced entire neighborhoods to rubble, destroying civilian infrastructure and causing widespread destruction. Even cities initially beyond range have suffered as the conflict progresses.
Amplifiers:
The Cipher Brief
thecipherbrief.com
When Espionage Meets TikTok
Charles Beaumont's "A Spy at War" is a fictional thriller set during the early stages of the Ukraine war. The review praises its cinematic portrayal of espionage and the influence operations shaping the conflict, highlighting the under-reported role of spies in predetermining battlefield outcomes. While some plot points are criticized as coincidental, the reviewer recommends the book, suggesting it would be even better as a TV series.
Amplifiers:
Independent Journal Review
ijr.com
Pentagon Salivates Over ‘Expensive’ Weapons While China Races Into Future With Iron Grip Over Cheap Drone Tech
China dominates the inexpensive drone market, leaving the U.S. militarily vulnerable. The U.S. relies on costly, vulnerable drones while China's cheap, effective drones pose a significant national security threat. Experts warn of a "nightmare" scenario unless the U.S. adapts and develops affordable drone technology.
Amplifiers:
Daily Caller
dailycaller.com
Pentagon Salivates Over ‘Expensive’ Weapons While China Races Into Future With Iron Grip Over Cheap Drone Tech
The US military's reliance on expensive drones contrasts sharply with China's dominance in cheap, effective drone technology. This technological gap, exemplified by the widespread use of inexpensive drones in Ukraine, poses a significant national security threat to the US. The Pentagon's focus on high-cost systems leaves the US vulnerable to cheaper, readily available alternatives, highlighting a critical need for adaptation.
Amplifiers:
Bizpac Review
bizpacreview.com
Pentagon salivates over ‘expensive’ weapons while China races into future with iron grip over cheap drone tech
China dominates the cheap drone market, posing a significant threat to US national security. The US military's focus on expensive weapons systems leaves it lagging behind, while inexpensive Chinese drones prove highly effective on the battlefield, as demonstrated in the Ukraine war. This technological gap necessitates a rapid US response to avoid a critical disadvantage.
Amplifiers:
National Interest
nationalinterest.org
Ukraine’s Drone Forces Are Ready for Russia’s Spring Offensive 
Ukraine's burgeoning drone program is effectively countering Russia's spring offensive. Utilizing domestically produced, low-cost drones and AI-enhanced targeting, Ukraine is creating a deadly "kill zone" along the front lines, inflicting heavy casualties on Russian forces. This innovative approach, fueled by both government initiatives and volunteer efforts, is transforming the battlefield and showcasing Ukraine's technological agility.
Amplifiers:
National Catholic Register
ncregister.com
The Passion of Ukraine: How Faith, Memory and Courage Sustain a Nation at War
Ukraine's war is fueled by faith and memory. The Ukrainian diaspora provides substantial humanitarian aid, while Russia attacks churches and clergy. This conflict echoes past atrocities like the Holodomor, with civilians enduring horrific violence and fearing future reprisals. Despite the brutality, Ukrainians demonstrate remarkable courage and resilience, continuing aid efforts and fighting for freedom and democracy.
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Entities

Tap or click for details
These entities are mentioned most frequently in the narratives highlighted in this brief. Click to see details of narrative activity related to each one.
Organizations
CIA
Central Intelligence Agency, a civilian foreign intelligence service of the federal government of the United States.
Russian Army
Military forces of the Russian Federation.
Events
Conflict in Ukraine
Ongoing military conflict involving Russia and Ukraine.
Michael Gloss's Death
Reported death of Michael Gloss while fighting for Russia in Ukraine.
People
Michael Gloss
21-year-old son of a CIA deputy director who died fighting for Russia in Ukraine.
Organizations
CIA
Central Intelligence Agency, a civilian foreign intelligence service of the federal government of the United States.
Russian Army
Military forces of the Russian Federation.
Events
Conflict in Ukraine
Ongoing military conflict involving Russia and Ukraine.
Michael Gloss's Death
Reported death of Michael Gloss while fighting for Russia in Ukraine.
People
Michael Gloss
21-year-old son of a CIA deputy director who died fighting for Russia in Ukraine.

Context

The situation surrounding Michael Gloss highlights complex demographic and social dynamics in Russia and Ukraine, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict that escalated in 2022. The war has drawn individuals from various backgrounds, including those who may traditionally oppose militaristic actions, into the fray, reflecting a range of motivations from nationalistic fervor to personal convictions. Gloss's background as an eco-activist and anti-fascist suggests a generational shift where young people are grappling with their identities amid national crises.

Economically, the war has strained both Russian and Ukrainian resources, leading to significant military expenditures and a diversion of funds from social programs. This has exacerbated existing economic challenges, including inflation and unemployment, particularly in regions heavily affected by the conflict. Politically, the war has intensified nationalistic sentiments in Russia, with the government promoting narratives that frame the conflict as a defense of national sovereignty, while dissenting voices face repression.

Geographically, the conflict has significant implications for security in Eastern Europe, with NATO countries closely monitoring developments. The war has led to increased military presence and readiness in neighboring countries, raising tensions and prompting discussions about collective defense.

National security concerns are paramount, as the conflict has implications for regional stability and international relations. The involvement of foreign fighters, like Gloss, complicates the narrative, revealing a multifaceted landscape where personal beliefs intersect with broader geopolitical struggles. His family's decision to conceal his military involvement underscores the stigma and complexity surrounding participation in a contentious war, reflecting the broader societal divisions within Russia.
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World Events
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