Nate Vance, a former U.S. Marine and cousin to Vice President JD Vance, has strongly criticized both his cousin and President Donald Trump for their handling of U.S.-Ukraine relations. In a candid interview with France’s Le Figaro, Nate Vance accused the two of effectively serving Russian President Vladimir Putin’s interests, calling them “useful idiots.”
Having spent three years volunteering in Ukraine as part of the Da Vinci Wolves battalion, Nate Vance has been deeply involved in efforts to repel Russian troops. His frustration stems from a contentious Oval Office meeting on February 28, where Trump and JD Vance confronted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over military aid and a proposed U.S.-Ukraine rare earth minerals deal. The meeting ended in a diplomatic breakdown, with the economic agreement left unsigned and U.S. military support for Ukraine suspended.
A Fractured Vance’s Family : Over Foreign Policy
Nate Vance’s criticisms of his cousin run deep, particularly regarding JD Vance’s stance on Ukraine. He expressed disappointment that his cousin never sought his firsthand perspective from the front lines. “His own cousin was on the front lines. I could have told him the truth, without pretense, without personal interest. He never tried to find out more,” Nate lamented.
Instead, JD Vance justified his skepticism toward Ukraine based on “stories” he had seen, a remark that infuriated Nate. “I thought I was going to choke,” he said, recounting his disbelief at hearing his cousin dismiss Ukraine’s plight so casually. He attempted to reach out to JD Vance’s office, leaving multiple messages, but received no response.
Despite their past as fellow Marines and family members who once vacationed together, Nate Vance now finds himself fundamentally at odds with his cousin’s political stance. He returned to the U.S. in January, fearing potential risks if he remained in Ukraine under a second Trump administration.
Diplomatic Fallout After White House Confrontation
The February 28 meeting between Trump, JD Vance, and Zelenskyy proved to be a turning point in U.S.-Ukraine relations. During the discussion, JD Vance accused Zelenskyy of being ungrateful for American aid and of leading “propaganda tours” showcasing the destruction caused by Russia’s invasion. The harsh rhetoric led to the collapse of a rare earth minerals deal that had been in the works between the two nations.
Nate Vance viewed the meeting as a diplomatic ambush, saying it was conducted “in absolute bad faith.” He also rejected the idea that his cousin’s stance on Ukraine was merely a political strategy. “When he criticized aid to Ukraine, I told myself that it was because he had to please a certain electorate, that it was a game of politics,” he said. “But now, I realize they truly believe they can placate Vladimir Putin. They are wrong.”
Undermining U.S. Foreign Policy and Strengthening Putin
Nate Vance warned that the actions of Trump and JD Vance could have dire consequences for both Ukraine and U.S. foreign policy. He argued that their skepticism toward Ukraine and their willingness to cut military aid would ultimately embolden Putin. “The Russians are not about to forget our support for Ukraine,” he told Le Figaro. “We are Vladimir Putin’s useful idiots.”
His remarks reflect a growing internal divide in American politics over continued U.S. involvement in Ukraine’s defense. While Trump and his allies argue that Washington should prioritize domestic issues over foreign entanglements, critics like Nate Vance see such policies as dangerous appeasement that weakens U.S. strategic influence.
Political and Military Repercussions
The suspension of U.S. military aid to Ukraine, coupled with the Oval Office confrontation, has sent shockwaves through diplomatic and military circles. Analysts fear that this shift in policy could severely undermine Ukraine’s ability to resist Russian aggression. Intelligence-sharing has also been affected, further complicating Kyiv’s defense efforts.
For Nate Vance, this is not just a political issue but a deeply personal one. His time in Ukraine gave him firsthand experience of the war’s brutal realities, making it difficult for him to accept the dismissive attitude of his cousin and the Trump administration. His public criticism underscores the internal conflicts within the U.S. political and military communities over America’s role in the war.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the division within American leadership over its response remains a critical issue. Whether Nate Vance’s warnings will influence future policy decisions remains uncertain, but his outspoken stance highlights the tensions shaping U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration.
