Vance responds to cousin’s criticism, says he stayed silent to protect him

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance responded to statements made by his cousin Nate Vance, who fought on Ukraine’s side and criticized him for his stance toward President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during their Oval Office meeting.

Fox News reported Vance’s remarks.

Vance Explains his silence on cousin’s service

The American vice president stated that he never publicly spoke about Nate’s service because he "idn't want to endanger his life more than it already was."

"As far as his criticisms, I have no interest in arguing with him in public, but I do feel the need to address one issue in particular: his failed effort to contact me. I am unsure why Nate felt the need to reach out to my Senate office, rather than to his mom, dad, or sister, all of whom I am in contact with regularly," Vance said.

Nate had previously claimed that he left a message at his cousin’s office regarding Russia’s war in Ukraine, based on his personal experience on the front lines.

The vice president added that he "always considered Nate the toughest guy [he] knew" and that he was "always happy to talk to him."

In an interview with CNN, Nate Vance stated that U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance " clearly believe they can placate Vladimir Putin."

"They are wrong. The Russians are not going to forget about our support for Ukraine. We are Vladimir Putin’s useful idiots," he said.

"Just because I'm related to you doesn't mean I'm going to stand by and watch you get my comrades killed," Nate continued. "When JD justifies his distrust of Zelenskyy by the 'reports' he has seen, I thought I was going to choke.."

Nate Vance also revealed that during his time fighting in Ukraine, he personally witnessed Russian soldiers executing their own troops as they retreated.