Nate Vance recently criticized his cousin, Vice President JD Vance, for his stance on Ukraine, accusing him and former President Trump of appeasing Russian President Putin. Speaking on CNN, Nate shared childhood photos with JD before calling them “helpful fools” to Putin in an interview with *Le Figaro*. JD dismissed the criticism but said he still respects Nate, questioning why he contacted his Senate office instead of family. A vocal critic of Russia, Nate fought alongside Ukrainian forces, partly for adventure, before returning to the U.S. due to security risks for JD. Despite their political divide, he acknowledged JD’s portrayal of their tough childhood in *Hillbilly Elegy*. He is finishing a book on his Ukraine experiences and seeking a publisher. JD insists on a personal bond, but their views on Ukraine highlight a growing rift