Nate Vance, a former US Marine and volunteer in Ukraine, has sparked controversy with his recent accusations against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Vance condemned Zelenskyy for leading what he described as "propaganda tours" through the ravaged areas left by Russia's invasion. He further criticized the Ukrainian leader for showing ingratitude towards US aid. The allegations emerged after a heated confrontation in the Oval Office, where Vance reportedly felt he was "going to choke."
Amidst this diplomatic tension, Saudi Arabia is set to host discussions between the US and Ukraine on Tuesday. The diplomatic fallout has already resulted in the US halting military assistance and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine. Vance accused former President Donald Trump and his cousin, JD Vance, of being "useful idiots" for Russian President 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
Nate Vance's remarks have been fueled by his extensive involvement in Ukraine, where he volunteered for three years as part of the Da Vinci Wolves battalion, aiding efforts to repel Russian forces. With JD Vance and Donald Trump securing a second presidential term in November, Nate expressed reluctance to continue his efforts in Ukraine, citing fears of capture.
The diplomatic discord has also left an economic deal concerning rare earth minerals between the US and Ukraine unsigned. During the contentious meeting with Zelenskyy, JD Vance voiced skepticism towards Ukraine's leadership, a sentiment that Nate criticized as politically motivated.
"When he criticized aid to Ukraine, I told myself that it was because he had to please a certain electorate, that it was a game of politics." – Nate Vance
Nate Vance, whose father is the brother of JD Vance's mother, expressed discontent with his cousin's approach to foreign policy. He described the diplomatic breakdown as "an ambush of absolute bad faith," further straining the already delicate relations between the involved parties.