KYIV — Laura Loomer, a fierce supporter of President Donald Trump who has built a following through controversial social media posts, sat down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday — a meeting that came after a remarkable about-face on the ongoing war in Ukraine that could send ripples through political circles in Washington.
For years, Loomer had worked to downplay Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, even amplifying Russian propaganda narratives to her nearly two million online followers. But this week, something changed.
After experiencing an air raid firsthand, Loomer took to X to share her reaction. “Just experienced my first air raid in Ukraine. Sirens blaring. This is everyday for every Ukrainian,” she wrote. “I often said I don’t care. Looking back, that wasn’t very nice of me to say.”
The shift was a dramatic one. Loomer had previously attacked U.S. support for Ukraine’s defense, calling the country “a country full of Nazi apologists” — a talking point Russia has used to try to justify its years-long invasion — and described its leadership as being “led by a Jihadi apologist.”
Loomer is not alone among conservative media figures in having expressed skepticism toward Ukraine. Others, including former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, have taken similar stances.
The meeting between Loomer and Zelenskyy was confirmed by Dmytro Lytvyn, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian president. Lytvyn noted that no Ukrainian government institution had arranged the visit, and that Zelenskyy’s office only became aware that Loomer was in the country after seeing posts on social media.
Zelenskyy’s office had expressed support for her visit earlier in the week, writing on Tuesday: “It is really important that @LauraLoomer is in Ukraine and sees things with her own eyes as they are.”
By Thursday, the office added: “It takes courage to come to Ukraine and not be deterred by Russian propaganda or air raid sirens. Thank you, Laura.”
Loomer did not respond when asked for comment.
Beyond her meeting with Zelenskyy, Loomer also paid a visit to the Dormition Cathedral of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra — one of Ukraine’s most historically and spiritually significant sites, also known as the Monastery of the Caves. The landmark was struck in a Russian attack last month, triggering a fire that caused serious damage to both the interior and exterior of the golden-domed complex, according to UNESCO. Zelenskyy described the attack as Moscow’s “biggest crime yet against Christian culture.”
Russia denied any involvement, claiming without evidence that the site was actually struck by one of Ukraine’s own U.S.-made Patriot air defense missiles, suggesting it may have gone off course due to its age.
While filming inside the church, Loomer directed sharp words at Russian President Vladimir Putin, accusing him of hypocrisy for positioning Russia as a defender of Christianity.
“I just don’t think that you should be allowed to say that you’re protecting Christianity if you’re trying to drone strike Jesus Christ,” she said in the video.
Two senior Ukrainian officials, Sergiy Kyslytsya and Tetyana Berezhna, accompanied Loomer during the visit.
The White House had not responded to requests for comment about the trip at the time of this report.
