Vance ambushed by protesters on ski trip after Zelensky row

JD Vance was told to “go ski in Russia” by protestors near a ski resort in Vermont where he planned a weekend getaway with his family. Many of the hundreds of demonstrators held signs in support of Ukraine - a day after the Vice President and President Donald Trump’s explosive meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky in the White House.

During the heated exchange, Mr Vance berated the Ukrainian President for challenging Mr Trump’s assertions that Russian President Vladimir Putin could be trusted. He also accused Mr Zelensky of not being thankful enough. But protestors in Waitsfield expressed their frustration with the Vice President.

Many held signs supporting Ukraine, while one said “Vance is a traitor go ski in Russia”.

The demonstrations were planned days in advance but were believed to have been energised Saturday morning following the row in the Oval Office the day before.

“Ski Russia because JD Vance has no friends in Vermont, but he’s got lots of friends in Russia, so he should go there for vacation,” Tekla Van Hoven told local broadcaster WCAX-TV.

Mr Vance was planning to ski at the Sugarbush Resort.

The family holiday has been moved to an undisclosed location, according to reports.

Protesters showed up at several locations in the area and a few protested at the resort on Saturday.

The resort spokesman John Bleh said: “There were a handful of protestors at the resort throughout the day, but all were peaceful and none were disruptive.”

Palestinian flags were also waved at the demonstration, while there were also signs in support of immigrant rights.

A smaller number of protesters in support of Mr Trump and Mr Vance also showed up with a “welcome rally” in Vermont.

European leaders rallied to Ukraine’s side following the clash in the White House.

On Sunday, Sir Keir Starmer held a summit of European leaders in central London to discuss Ukraine.

The Prime Minister unveiled a four-step plan discussed at the meeting in Lancaster House and said Europe must realise it is “not a moment for more talk, it is time to act”.