Nate Vance recently criticized his cousin, Vice President JD Vance, for his handling of a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his stance on Ukraine. Appearing on CNN, Nate shared childhood photos with JD before accusing him and former President Donald Trump of trying to appease Russian President Vladimir Putin.

In an interview with Le Figaro, he warned that Russia would not forget U.S. support for Ukraine, calling them “helpful fools” to Putin.JD Vance dismissed the criticism but said he still respects his cousin. He questioned why Nate reached out to his Senate office instead of family members and revealed he avoided discussing Nate’s service in Ukraine publicly to protect him,

Nate, a vocal critic of Russia, argued that Trump and JD Vance underestimate the Kremlin, insisting they are not and will not be U.S. allies. He previously fought alongside Ukrainian forces and admitted his decision was partly driven by adventure. However, he later returned to the U.S., realizing his presence could create security risks for JD Vance.

Despite their political divide, Nate acknowledged JD’s depiction of their childhood in Hillbilly Elegy, though he believes it was even tougher than portrayed. He is currently finishing a book on his experiences in Ukraine and seeking a publisher. While JD Vance insists he still has a personal bond with Nate, their opposing views on Ukraine highlight a growing rift.