A wave of protests unfolded in Vermont as demonstrators gathered to showcase their support for Ukraine, directly targeting Vice-President JD Vance just days after his contentious meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The protests took place in Waitsfield, where Vance was expected to arrive with his family for a skiing trip.
The uproar was ignited following a combative exchange in the White House, where Vance accused Zelensky of disrespecting the United States. President Donald Trump also joined in the confrontation, urging Zelensky to negotiate with Russia or face diminished U.S. support, which he labeled as "gambling with World War Three."
While plans for the protests were in motion before the Oval Office incident, many demonstrators included messages related to the clash, as well as broader concerns regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Judy Daly, a member of the organizing group Indivisible Mad River Valley, noted that the White House debacle has likely motivated more individuals to speak out.
Reflecting on the heightened emotions, protester Cori Giroux declared, "Vance crossed the line." In a bid for civility, Vermont’s governor Phil Scott, a Republican who has distanced himself from Trump, implored residents to welcome Vance and his family during their trip. “I hope Vermonters remember the vice-president is here on a family trip with his young children,” Scott emphasized, urging local residents to demonstrate respect.
As Vance's family reversed their plans to an undisclosed location, counter-demonstrators expressing support for Trump and Vance were also spotted in the area.
In addition to the protests in Vermont, supporters for Ukraine gathered in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Boston, rallying to voice solidarity against Russian aggression.
Amidst this backdrop, Zelensky traveled to the UK for a summit with European leaders, including Canada's Justin Trudeau, aimed at strategizing an end to hostilities with Russia. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his commitment to mediating between Ukrainian and U.S. interests, acknowledging the tense atmosphere that arose from the Oval Office confrontation.
As Vance has remained silent on the protests, public sentiment continues to reflect deep divisions over U.S. foreign policy related to Ukraine and the approach taken by the Trump-Vance administration in these unprecedented geopolitical challenges.
