Protesters disrupt JD Vance's holiday at posh Vermont resort over Zelensky spat in WH: 'Go ski in Russia'

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside Sugarbush Resort, condemning JD Vance as a 'traitor'
UPDATED MAR 3, 2025
JD Vance faced a protest in Vermont after a heated clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office (Getty Images, @mattmfm/ X)
JD Vance faced a protest in Vermont after a heated clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office (Getty Images, @mattmfm/ X)

WASHINGTON, DC: JD Vance, Republican politician and vice president, found himself at the center of a heated protest in Vermont this weekend, following a public confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside the exclusive Sugarbush Resort in Waitsfield, condemning Vance as a "traitor" and a "national disgrace" over his comments during a televised meeting with Zelensky at the White House.



 

Protest erupts after JD Vance’s heated exchange with Volodymyr Zelensky

The protest was sparked after JD Vance's heated exchange with Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office on Friday, March 1, where the Republican politician accused the Ukrainian leader of "disrespecting the US’s generosity."

The clash came as Zelensky faced criticism from Vance for allegedly using "propaganda tours" to gain Western support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing war with Russia, Irish Star reported.

Protesters, armed with placards, lined the snow-covered streets of Waitsfield near the resort, shouting chants and waving signs that read: “Vance = Putin’s Pawn = Traitor,” “National Disgrace,” “Go Ski in Russia,” and “Join the Right Side of History.”



 

Some of the more passionate demonstrators even wore t-shirts that read, “Moms for a Caring Country,” emphasizing their disapproval of Vance’s recent actions.

Despite the escalating tension, the protest took place in a peaceful manner, with demonstrators making their voices heard outside the resort where Vance was rumored to be vacationing with his family.

U.S. President Donald Trump (C) and Vice President JD Vance meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office at the White House on February 28, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump and Zelensky are meeting today to negotiate a preliminary agreement on sharing Ukraine’s mineral resources that Trump says will allow America to recoup aid provided to Kyiv while supporting Ukraine’s economy. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump (C) and Vice President JD Vance meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office at the White House on February 28, 2025 in Washington, DC (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

The uproar follows Vance’s fiery remarks during his meeting with Zelensky, where he accused the Ukrainian president of undermining US support by questioning the reliability of Russia's ceasefire offers.

“What kind of diplomacy, JD, are you speaking about?” Zelensky responded during the exchange, citing examples of Russia’s broken ceasefire promises.

Tensions escalate after JD Vance’s heated exchange with Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office

JD Vance, who had become increasingly agitated during the conversation, shot back, “I’m talking about the kind of diplomacy that's going to end the destruction of your country,” adding, “Mr President, with respect, I think it's disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media.”

Zelensky’s defense of his country’s struggle and his frustration with the US response only intensified the charged atmosphere, leading to a chaotic meeting that was abruptly cut short.

Vice President JD Vance speaks during a meeting with President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the Oval Office at the White House on February 28, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump and Zelensky are meeting today to negotiate a preliminary agreement on sharing Ukraine’s mineral resources that Trump says will allow America to recoup aid provided to Kyiv while supporting Ukraine’s economy. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
Vice President JD Vance speaks during a meeting with President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the Oval Office at the White House on February 28, 2025 in Washington, DC (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

The verbal altercation underscored Zelensky's precarious dependence on continued US support for Ukraine, and the protest in Vermont appears to be a direct reaction to Vance’s outspoken criticism of Zelensky’s approach.

Demonstrators at the resort made it clear that they felt Vance’s comments were disrespectful - not only to the Ukrainian president but to the international community.

Social media reacts to protests against JD Vance after heated exchange with Volodymyr Zelensky

Following JD Vance's heated exchange with Volodymyr Zelensky, protests erupted in Vermont, with social media users expressing outrage over his comments. Critics labeled Vance a "traitor" and voiced support for Ukraine, rallying against his stance on the war.

"Vance is a snake, used to call Trump Hitler and once said he would rather vote for Hillary Clinton. Now is the VP!" one said.



 

Another added cheering the protesters, "So proud of my state Vermont Strong"



 

The third commentator shared an image of a protester holding a borad that read, "Vance is a traitor."



 

"Better idea, you go fight for your country in your own country," suggested a critic.



 

A person slammed Vance saying, "JD Vance is a poster child for betrayal. Skiing in moscovia would suit him just fine. Time to hold accountable those who turn their backs on freedom. Pro-Ukraine voices are rising, and we won't back down!"



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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