Pro-Ukraine protests quickly erupted across the United States after President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance confronted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. Soon after the heated exchange, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Waitsfield, Vermont, on Saturday morning. They protested against Vance’s visit for a family ski trip.
Protesters Respond to White House Dispute
According to the sources, the Mad River Valley chapter of Indivisible had planned the demonstration earlier in the week. However, after Friday’s intense meeting between Trump, Vance, and Zelenskyy, more people decided to join. As a result, the crowd grew larger, with many expressing anger over how Trump and Vance treated the Ukrainian leader.
Vance Leaves Vermont to Avoid Protesters
Meanwhile, Vance left for an undisclosed location as the protests gained momentum. On Friday, he admitted that he had never been to Ukraine, which further fueled criticism. At the same time, Vermont Governor Phil Scott urged residents to be respectful toward Vance and his family during their visit.
“Please join me in welcoming them to Vermont and hoping they have an opportunity to experience what makes our state, and Vermonters, so special,” Scott said. Nevertheless, critics pointed out a stark contrast. They recalled how Zelenskyy had returned to Kyiv, even while it was under attack, when Russia invaded Ukraine.
Lawmakers and Protesters Show Support for Ukraine
Furthermore, several Democratic lawmakers condemned Trump and Vance’s actions. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut called the Oval Office meeting an “ambush” against Zelenskyy. As a result, protests broke out in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Boston.
In New York, videos on social media showed demonstrators filling Times Square, many draped in Ukraine’s blue-and-yellow flag. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, a large crowd gathered outside a SpaceX facility. Additionally, in Boston, activists organized an “emergency rally” at Boston Common, demanding fair peace for Ukraine.
Calls for Fair Peace Continue
At the same time, the group Boston Supports Ukraine voiced Ukraine’s demands for justice. “Ukraine wants fair peace. Ukraine wants the war to end,” the group posted on Facebook. “Ukraine wants all of this on fair terms with security guarantees.”
Ultimately, these protests highlight growing frustration with the White House’s handling of Ukraine. As tensions rise, supporters continue to push for stronger backing of Zelenskyy.
