Over the weekend, widespread protests erupted in cities across the United States following a heated exchange involving former President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. Demonstrators gathered in various locations, including Waitsfield, New York City, Los Angeles, and Boston, to show solidarity with Ukraine and denounce the actions of Trump and Vance.
The protests were initially organized to coincide with Vance’s trip to Vermont for a ski vacation with his family, but escalated due to the tensions arising from the Oval Office meeting. Protesters in Vermont, including members of the grassroots group Indivisible, displayed signs supporting Ukraine and criticizing the individuals involved in the confrontation. Many waved Ukrainian flags in a show of unity.
One protester in Vermont expressed their discontent, stating, “After what he did yesterday, he crossed the line.” Despite a request from Republican Governor Phil Scott for residents to show respect to Vance during his visit, the protests went on. Vance reportedly sought refuge in a undisclosed location to avoid the demonstrators.
The Oval Office meeting, where Trump urged Zelenskyy to consider a ceasefire with Russia, received widespread backlash. Trump’s remarks about US military aid and warnings of potential consequences were met with criticism. Zelenskyy, standing firm in Ukraine despite the Russian invasion, emphasized the need for security guarantees before considering a ceasefire.
The international community, including European leaders and officials from various countries, voiced support for Ukraine in the face of the confrontation. US lawmakers, such as Senator Chris Murphy, condemned the meeting and stood in solidarity with Zelenskyy. Protests in major US cities like New York and Los Angeles saw demonstrators rallying behind Ukraine, advocating for a fair resolution to the conflict with security assurances.
Groups like Boston Supports Ukraine echoed the sentiment of protesters nationwide, calling for an end to the war with terms that prioritize Ukraine’s security and well-being.