Vance Addresses Controversial Meeting with Trump and Zelenskyy

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Vice President JD Vance responded Monday to sharp criticism from his cousin, Nate Vance, regarding the recent meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The discussion, which occurred Feb. 28, 2025, at the White House, sparked heated debate over U.S. strategy in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Nate Vance, a long-time volunteer fighter for Ukraine, expressed disappointment in the meeting’s dynamics during an interview on CNN’s “Erin Burnett OutFront.” He characterized the encounter as a “combative exchange” that undermined Ukrainian efforts against Russian aggression.

“I consider JD a good guy and intelligent, but I felt like I was witnessing an ambush of absolute bad faith,” Nate Vance said. He criticized his cousin’s justification of distrust towards Zelenskyy, indicating that such skepticism could have dire consequences for those on the front lines. “Just because I’m related to you doesn’t mean I’m going to stand by and watch you get my comrades killed,” he added.

Dismissing the notion that Zelenskyy should be grateful for Trump’s assistance, Nate remarked, “Donald Trump and my cousin clearly believe they can placate Vladimir Putin. They are wrong. The Russians are not about to forget our support for Ukraine. We are Vladimir Putin’s useful idiots.”

Nate Vance also noted his attempts to communicate with his cousin, stressing the importance of using his battlefield experience to inform U.S. policy. “I could have told him the truth, without pretense, without personal interest. He never tried to find out more,” he stated.

In addressing these criticisms, Vice President Vance acknowledged he has refrained from discussing his cousin’s service due to concerns for his safety. “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,” Vance stated. “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.”

Despite the tensions, the vice president expressed a willingness to engage in conversation with Nate, emphasizing his respect for him: “I always considered Nate the toughest guy I knew and I would be always happy to talk to him.”

The public exchange between the Vance cousins highlights the complexities and personal stakes involved in the U.S. response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The dialogue continues as both sides navigate their difficult positions amid the high-pressure political landscape.