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Fact check: Nate Vance (cousin of US VP JD Vance) on the frontline in Ukraine fighting as a foreign volunteer
1. Summary of the results
The statement about Nate Vance's service in Ukraine is confirmed by multiple independent sources. He served in the 1st mechanized battalion "Da Vinci Wolves" for approximately three years, with two and a half years on frontlines [1]. His service included participation in major battles at Kupiansk, Bakhmut, Avdiivka, and Pokrovsk [2]. Nate Vance, a 47-year-old former Marine, began his service in June 2022 and returned to the US in January 2025 [1] [1].
2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints
Several crucial pieces of context are missing from the original statement:
- Family Political Division: There is significant tension between Nate Vance and his cousin VP JD Vance over Ukraine policy. Nate has expressed disappointment with JD Vance's criticisms of President Zelenskyy [2].
- Motivation and Background: Nate's journey to Ukraine began after meeting a British volunteer who was recruiting military-experienced foreigners [1].
- Reason for Departure: His return to the US was influenced by concerns about potential capture, particularly in light of Trump's inauguration [3].
- Military Performance: His comrades praised his fighting skills and cool-headed nature in combat [2].
3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement
The original statement, while factually accurate, understates the complexity of the situation:
- It fails to mention the political implications of a VP's relative fighting for Ukraine while the VP himself maintains a critical stance toward Ukrainian support [4].
- The statement doesn't address the timing of his departure, which coincides with significant political changes in the US that could affect Ukraine support [3].
- The simple framing of "foreign volunteer" doesn't capture the extensive duration (three years) and intensity of his involvement, including participation in several major battles [2] [2].
- The familial relationship with VP JD Vance, while accurate, carries more complex political implications than the statement suggests, given their opposing views on the conflict [2] [1].