U.S. Vice President JD Vance had an unexpected change of plans during his winter vacation trip when pro-Ukraine protesters gathered in a Vermont town on his route to the Sugarbush resort for a skiing getaway with his family. The demonstrators, showing support for Ukraine, displayed signs criticizing Vance and urging him to ski in Russia instead.
The protests followed a tense Oval Office meeting where President Trump clashed with Vance and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, accusing the Ukrainian leader of risking World War III. The encounter marked a significant shift in diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Europe.
Organized by grassroots group Indivisible Mad River Valley, the demonstrations aimed to voice disapproval of Vance’s actions during the meeting with Zelenskyy. Despite the detour caused by the protests, Vance and his family eventually hit the slopes, attracting attention from fellow skiers.
Vermont Governor Phil Scott, who had previously expressed his reservations about Trump, issued a statement welcoming Vance and his family to the state, emphasizing the importance of respectful behavior towards visitors.
The incident in Vermont was part of a broader wave of rallies across the U.S., including in cities like Boston and Los Angeles, expressing solidarity with Ukraine. The events underscored the heightened tensions and divisions surrounding international relations and political dynamics.