Russian forces shooting own soldiers during retreat, Vance's cousin says

He shared it live on CNN.

“I’ve personally witnessed them shooting their own troops on enough occasions that it wasn’t just an isolated incident. It’s happened quite a bit, enough to the point where you could consider it to be policy if troops are retreating,” Vance told CNN.

Having spent three years in Ukraine, including two and a half on the front lines, Vance says his experience gave him a “unique perspective” on the war. 

He argues that Americans misunderstand Russian tactics, warning, “If you try to deal with Russia through an American lens, it will come back to bite you.”

Vance also criticized calls for significant concessions in a ceasefire, saying it would only allow Russia to regroup, build up, and modernize.

 “A concept of imperialistic aggressive modernized military Russia, who has learned their lessons about modern combat, is problematic for our future,” he said.

He also addressed his cousin’s tense exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office, calling it “really disappointing.” Despite knowing Nate was fighting in Ukraine, the vice president never reached out, he added.

Vance fought with the Da Vinci Wolves Battalion in key battles, including Kupyansk and Bakhmut, before leaving the military in January, just before his cousin’s inauguration.