JD Vance’s Cousin Criticizes Him for Mocking Ukraine’s Zelensky
(Adapted from a BBC report)
Nate Vance, the cousin of US Vice-President JD Vance, has spoken out against his relative and President Donald Trump for their treatment of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a heated meeting in the White House earlier this year.
According to the BBC, Nate Vance, who volunteered with the Ukrainian military for three years after Russia’s invasion, said the way Trump and JD Vance spoke to Zelensky was disrespectful and unprofessional.
During the Oval Office meeting, which was broadcast on TV, Trump threatened to cut US support for Ukraine if a deal wasn’t reached, while JD Vance accused Zelensky of being ungrateful for American aid.
Nate Vance told the BBC that Zelensky regularly thanks Ukraine’s supporters in his daily speeches and that the criticism was unfair. He also said it was strange for Trump and JD Vance to demand respect when they have opposed Zelensky’s efforts for years.
The meeting ended with Zelensky being asked to leave, and a planned press conference was canceled. Shortly after, the Trump administration stopped sending military aid and intelligence to Ukraine. Nate Vance called the meeting an “ambush” and said it showed a lack of good faith.
He also defended Zelensky’s choice to wear military-style clothing instead of a suit, saying it was a symbol of solidarity with Ukrainian soldiers. Nate Vance pointed out that Elon Musk often wears casual clothes in the Oval Office, yet no one criticizes him.
Nate Vance, who has been a lifelong Republican, told the BBC that he feels strongly about this issue and believes the US is making a mistake by alienating Ukraine. He warned that isolationism has led to global conflicts in the past, like World War I and World War II.
Zelensky later called the meeting “regrettable” and said it was time to fix the relationship. The US is now trying to mediate between Russia and Ukraine to end the war, but Trump has said dealing with Ukraine is “more difficult” than dealing with Russia.
The BBC highlights that Nate Vance’s criticism reflects growing concerns about how the US is handling its relationship with Ukraine during this critical time.
(This simplified version is based on the original BBC report.)
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2yl5kevrpo