Vice President JD Vance reported that on Saturday, March 8, 2025, he was confronted by pro-Ukrainian protesters while walking with his three-year-old daughter in Cincinnati, Ohio. Vance claimed that the protesters followed them, shouting slogans that caused his daughter to become increasingly anxious and scared. In response, he approached the protesters to engage in conversation, hoping to alleviate the situation for his child. He later described the interaction as “mostly respectful” but criticized the protesters for involving his young daughter, stating, “if you’re chasing a 3-year-old as part of a political protest, you’re a s— person.”
However, accounts from the protesters differ. Ann Henry, one of the demonstrators, disputed Vance’s portrayal of the events, asserting that “no one was chasing him.” Video footage aired by WCPO 9 News showed protesters chanting about people dying and accusing the Trump administration of betraying Ukrainians, but it did not capture the initial confrontation or any direct interaction with Vance’s daughter.
This incident follows a series of confrontations between Vance and pro-Ukrainian activists. A week prior, during a family ski trip to Vermont’s Sugarbush Resort, Vance encountered protesters who labeled him a “traitor” and suggested he “go ski in Russia.” These demonstrations were in response to a heated exchange between Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an Oval Office meeting on February 28, 2025. The meeting, intended to discuss a potential peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, escalated when Zelenskyy expressed distrust in Russian President Vladimir Putin, leading to a tense standoff with President Trump and Vice President Vance. The fallout from this encounter included the cancellation of a scheduled press conference and the stalling of a minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine.
The Trump administration’s stance on Ukraine has undergone a notable shift. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz suggested that if Zelenskyy’s actions diverge from efforts to end the conflict, his leadership might need reevaluation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Zelenskyy of hindering diplomatic progress, and House Speaker Mike Johnson implied that a change in Ukrainian leadership might be necessary to achieve peace.
These developments have sparked widespread protests across the United States. Demonstrations in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Boston have seen thousands rallying in support of Ukraine. In Vermont, protesters disrupted Vance’s vacation, carrying signs accusing him of being a “traitor” and “Putin’s puppet.” The vice president and his family were forced to relocate due to the intensity of the demonstrations.
Internationally, European leaders have reaffirmed their support for Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, where he received assurances of continued backing despite tensions with the U.S. administration. The UK and Ukraine agreed on a £2.26 billion loan aimed at enhancing defense capabilities, underscoring Europe’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
The contrasting narratives surrounding Vice President Vance’s encounter with protesters highlight the deepening divisions over U.S. foreign policy toward Ukraine. As the situation evolves, the Biden administration faces increasing pressure to clarify its stance and navigate the complex dynamics of international diplomacy and domestic opinion.
