Nate Vance, a former U.S. Marine and cousin of Vice President JD Vance, has openly criticized his relative’s position on Ukraine. Vance, who has been fighting alongside Ukrainian forces since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, accused his cousin and former President Donald Trump of playing into Vladimir Putin’s hands by pressuring Ukraine instead of confronting Russia directly.
Speaking from the Rocky Mountains, where he is temporarily resting before returning to Ukraine, Nate expressed his anger over JD Vance’s refusal to engage with him about the war. He described the recent White House meeting between Trump, JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as an "ambush" intended to weaken Kyiv’s position.
"Trump and JD Vance are acting like Putin’s useful idiots," Nate said. "Putin must be laughing behind closed doors, watching America undermine its own allies while giving Russia time to rearm." He emphasized that any concessions made to Russia would only embolden its future aggression.
Nate Vance warned that his cousin’s stance on Ukraine is part of a larger issue: the growing influence of authoritarian regimes, particularly China, in shaping global conflicts. While the U.S. debates its role in Ukraine, China is strengthening its ties with Russia, increasing military cooperation, and using economic leverage to expand its influence in Asia, Africa, and even Latin America.
"China is watching how the U.S. handles Ukraine," Nate said. "If America abandons its allies in Eastern Europe, it sends a clear message to Taiwan, South Korea, and other nations that they can’t count on American support when faced with aggression." He further emphasized that China has already been expanding its influence in Africa and the Pacific, securing critical trade routes and resources that could shift global power dynamics in its favor.
He criticized Trump and JD Vance’s push for a rushed ceasefire in Ukraine, arguing that without long-term U.S. military guarantees, such a deal would only give Putin the opportunity to regroup and launch further attacks. European leaders have echoed similar concerns, fearing that a weakened Ukraine would encourage more Russian expansionism.
Nate, who has spent months on the frontlines, described how Russian soldiers are often forced into battle by their commanders, who execute those who refuse to fight. He believes this proves that Putin’s regime cannot be trusted in any negotiations.
JD Vance and Trump’s belief that they can secure peace with Putin through diplomacy alone, without military backing, is naive, Nate warned. "The only thing keeping Russia in check is American and European support for Ukraine. If we pull out, Russia will advance—and China will take notes."
Nate Vance’s message is clear: the U.S. cannot afford to show weakness. As Russia continues its war in Ukraine and China expands its influence, America’s global leadership is being tested. If Washington fails to stand firm, both Europe and Asia could face greater threats from authoritarian regimes. The world is watching, and U.S. policy decisions now will shape the global balance of power for decades to come.
