Pro-Ukraine protesters have confronted US Vice President JD Vance after reportedly bumping into him in a « chance encounter » while on their way to a rally. The incident in Cincinnati, Ohio was captured on camera. Protesters told Mr Vance: « Russia won’t settle. » « Exactly, » Mr Vance replied. « They certainly invaded Ukraine in 2022. » A protester retorted: « And 2014, and Georgia and Chechnya! They are the aggressor every time. »
« I understand that that’s your view, » the VP said. Someone replied: « No, that’s not our view. It’s the truth! » Later in the clip, Mr Vance said: « I’m speaking with you, and I’m trying to be respectful. I have condemned the invasion, but I’ve also condemned the perpetual war. That is the policy. » Interrupting, a protester said: « You also condemned Trump. » The VP continued: « And I’ve talked to you guys now. » A woman then asked Mr Vance: « What happened when you called Trump America’s Hitler? What changed? »
He replied: « Ma’am, now that’s a different question. I’m happy….would you like me to talk about how I’ve changed my view of Donald Trump from 10 years ago? »
Later in the clip, a protester says: « People are dying. »
Vance says: « What I told the gentleman earlier is that we think it’s in the best interest of our country, and, frankly, in the best interests of the Ukrainians, for the war to stop. »
Mr Vance seemed to plead with the group not to disturb his three year old daughter.
At least one of the protesters reportedly told him that it was « part of his job ».
« Look at my three year old daughter now, » Vance said. « I told you. I talked to you for five minutes. »
« You signed up for this job, » a person can be heard saying. « That’s what you agreed to. »
Vance replied: « I did not agree to have my three year old, to have people run around and yell at her, and I did talk to you. And I had said, ‘If I talk to you for a few minutes, will you leave my three year old daughter alone?’ and you said, ‘Yes’.
« So I’d like you guys to respect that. »
Vance said on X after the incident: « Today while walking my 3 year old daughter a group of ‘Slava Ukraini’ protesters followed us around and shouted as my daughter grew increasingly anxious and scared.
« I decided to speak with the protesters in the hopes that I could trade a few minutes of conversation for them leaving my toddler alone. (Nearly all of them agreed.)
« It was a mostly respectful conversation, but if you’re chasing a 3-year-old as part of a political protest, you’re a s*** person. »
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