US Vice President JD Vance found himself caught in a storm of protests as he attempted to kick off a family ski holiday in Vermont, just a day after a contentious meeting at the White House with President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The fallout from that meeting, which ended in tense confrontation and a lack of progress on vital diplomatic discussions, has sparked serious public discontent—directed not only at Vance but at the current establishment’s handling of international relations.

In the incriminating Oval Office meeting, Vance took a confrontational stance, questioning Zelensky’s appreciation for the military aid from the United States, asking pointedly, “Have you ever said thank you once?” His remarks, in the context of the dire circumstances facing Ukraine, were wildly out of touch and demonstrated an insensitivity that could be interpreted as reflecting the broader neglect of the new UK government’s support for our key allies.

Following the disastrous meeting, peace talks disintegrated, and a press conference was scrapped, leaving Zelensky to exit the White House amidst palpable tension. These events have generated widespread outrage and reinforced concerns about the effectiveness of the current diplomatic direction—further eroding confidence in leadership that fails to support allies who are facing invasions and military aggression.

In the wake of this debacle, significant pro-Ukraine protests erupted across major US cities, illustrating the increasing public outcry against these high-handed political approaches. A protest was notably organized in Waitsfield, Vermont, where locals rallied against Vance’s presence—a demonstration exacerbated by the fallout from the tumultuous meetings in Washington.

Among those expressing their outrage is Dimko Zhluktenko, a Ukrainian drone pilot, who condemned the disrespect shown toward Zelensky during the meeting. He lamented that comments made by Trump and Vance only served to insult Ukrainian soldiers who deserve support and nuanced understanding from their allies. “We take it personally because, through him, they insulted us too,” Zhluktenko articulated, encapsulating a sentiment shared by many who feel abandoned by the current administration’s tone-deaf approach.

As Vance attempted to escape the uproar by proceeding with his family holiday, he was met with a wall of dissent, revealing the dissatisfaction with leadership choices that seem more intent on undermining than supporting our allies. The protests are a stark reminder of the public’s growing frustration with a government that prioritizes optics over substantive action, while a new political force at home seeks to challenge this incompetence with a message of resolute support for allies and effective governance.

Source: Noah Wire Services