In a wave of pro-Ukraine protests across the United States, hundreds gathered in cities including New York, Boston, and Los Angeles over the weekend to voice their support following a contentious meeting between former President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The protests were sparked by an aggressive exchange during the recent Oval Office meeting, where Trump urged Zelensky to negotiate with Russia, implying that US support might be withdrawn.
In Vermont, where Vance was vacationing, demonstrators lined the streets with pro-Ukraine signs, reflecting the simmering tensions from the clash in Washington. Organizers such as Judy Daly of Indivisible Mad River Valley noted that these recent events have mobilized even more people to express their dissent. “I think [Friday's] performance at the White House has probably galvanized even more people to come out today,” Daly stated. Vermont's Governor Phil Scott, who has distanced himself from Trump, encouraged respect for the Vance family during their visit, emphasizing that they were there for a family ski trip.
In the wake of the protests, counter-demonstrators supportive of Vance and Trump were also present, highlighting the divided political sentiment surrounding the issue. The clash in the Oval Office saw Trump accuse Zelensky of insufficient gratitude for US military and political assistance amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, while Vance took a critical stance towards the Ukrainian leader's approach.
As global attention shifts to London for a summit with European leaders, Zelensky's visit is anticipated to focus on securing additional support for Ukraine. Recent agreements, such as a £2.26bn loan signed by UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves, reflect ongoing international efforts to support Ukraine's military and reconstruction initiatives. The protests across the US underscore a growing grassroots movement advocating for continued US involvement and support for Ukraine amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
In Vermont, where Vance was vacationing, demonstrators lined the streets with pro-Ukraine signs, reflecting the simmering tensions from the clash in Washington. Organizers such as Judy Daly of Indivisible Mad River Valley noted that these recent events have mobilized even more people to express their dissent. “I think [Friday's] performance at the White House has probably galvanized even more people to come out today,” Daly stated. Vermont's Governor Phil Scott, who has distanced himself from Trump, encouraged respect for the Vance family during their visit, emphasizing that they were there for a family ski trip.
In the wake of the protests, counter-demonstrators supportive of Vance and Trump were also present, highlighting the divided political sentiment surrounding the issue. The clash in the Oval Office saw Trump accuse Zelensky of insufficient gratitude for US military and political assistance amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, while Vance took a critical stance towards the Ukrainian leader's approach.
As global attention shifts to London for a summit with European leaders, Zelensky's visit is anticipated to focus on securing additional support for Ukraine. Recent agreements, such as a £2.26bn loan signed by UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves, reflect ongoing international efforts to support Ukraine's military and reconstruction initiatives. The protests across the US underscore a growing grassroots movement advocating for continued US involvement and support for Ukraine amid escalating geopolitical tensions.
