United States Vice President JD Vance has claimed that he was followed by a group of pro-Ukrainian protesters while walking with his three year old daughter. He made this statement on social media platform X, where he described the incident, saying the protesters shouted “Glory to Ukraine” as they followed him.
According to Vance, the incident took place on March 8 when he was out for a walk with his child. He said that the protesters were shouting and making his daughter anxious. To end the confrontation, he decided to engage in conversation with the group, hoping that a few minutes of discussion would persuade them to stop. He noted that most of them agreed to back off after the conversation.
Vance described the exchange as mostly respectful but criticised the protesters, saying that chasing a child during a political demonstration was unacceptable. He concluded his post with a strong remark, calling such behaviour disgraceful.
The Vice President’s statement quickly drew responses from various figures, including pro-Ukrainian activists and commentators. Some accused him of exaggerating the incident to discredit Ukraine’s supporters, while others pointed out that the protesters were exercising their right to free speech.
Ukrainian activist Igor Sushko responded by highlighting the atrocities committed against Ukrainian children by Russian forces, stating that the Vice President should focus on the real victims of war rather than complaining about a peaceful protest. Another activist, Dimko Zhluktenko, accused Vance of promoting policies that endanger Ukrainian children, including the forced deportation of Ukrainian minors to Russia.
Criticism intensified when journalist Anna Komsa stated that Vance’s claim was misleading. She argued that the protesters had not approached his home directly and that police had blocked the entrance. She accused the Vice President of trying to fuel hostility against Ukrainians.
Vance has previously made comments that have drawn criticism from Ukraine’s supporters. His latest remarks have once again put him at the centre of controversy over US policy towards Ukraine in its war against Russian aggression.
