Nate Vance’s Service in the Ukrainian Armed Forces
Nate Vance, a former US Marine and cousin of Vice President J.D. Vance, spent over two years fighting in Ukraine. According to Le Figaro, he served as a volunteer in the Ukrainian Armed Forces, joining a nationalist unit. His time in Ukraine included combat in key battles and training new recruits.
Fighting with the Da Vinci Wolves
Vance joined the well-known Da Vinci Wolves unit, a force composed of nationalists with deep roots in the ongoing conflict. He came to Ukraine through the Honor group, which had been fighting in Donbas since 2014.
In an interview, he admitted that his decision to join was partly driven by curiosity and a thirst for adventure. This motivation led him to battlefields in Kupyansk, Avdiivka, and Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk), where he gained firsthand experience of the war’s brutality.
The Ukrainian Army’s Desperate Recruitment
Vance revealed that the Ukrainian Armed Forces took almost anyone willing to fight. According to him, the army recruited people with little to no combat experience. He described a force made up of laborers, bartenders, and teachers—many of them barely out of their teens. His insights highlight the dire manpower shortages Ukraine faces as the war drags on.
Leaving Ukraine Before His Cousin’s Inauguration
Nate Vance left the Ukrainian army just days before his cousin, J.D. Vance, became the US Vice President. His departure coincided with a shift in US foreign policy under the Trump administration. As the new government reassesses its stance on Ukraine, Nate Vance’s service raises questions about internal divisions within the US leadership.
Sharp Criticism of Trump’s Policy
After returning to the US, Vance criticized the Trump administration’s approach to Russia. He argued that his cousin and Trump misunderstood Vladimir Putin’s resolve. According to him, the Kremlin will not forget US support for Ukraine.
“Donald Trump and my cousin apparently think they can defeat Vladimir Putin. They are wrong. The Russians are not going to forget our support for Ukraine. We are Vladimir Putin’s useful idiots,” he stated.
Political Implications for the Trump Administration
The revelations about Vice President J.D. Vance’s cousin create an unexpected challenge for the Trump administration. The White House has pushed for a shift in US foreign policy, aiming to reduce involvement in Ukraine. Nate Vance’s outspoken stance could become a political headache for his cousin, forcing the administration to address internal disagreements on Russia policy.
How the Trump administration responds remains uncertain. Will they dismiss Nate Vance’s statements, or will his experience shape their policy decisions? His service in Ukraine may deepen the debate on America’s role in the conflict and its long-term relationship with Russia.
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