Laura Loomer, a Trump ally known for spreading conspiracy theories online, has reversed her longtime opposition to Ukraine and is now urging fellow conservatives to reject Russian propaganda. She made the statements while in Kyiv, where she has been visiting sites damaged by Russia's war. An interview with The Associated Press took place in a bomb shelter as the city faced a ballistic missile attack.
Loomer said she had been deceived by Russian propaganda and previously believed false claims about Ukraine. "I've come to realize I was bamboozled by Russian propaganda and I came to believe a lot of untrue things about Ukraine. I used to think that this was a country full of Nazis," She told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during an interview for her online show.
She attributed her earlier views to being banned from American social media platforms, which led her to use Telegram, where Russian media circulates widely. She also cited anger over the 2020 election and the influence of podcasters whose rhetoric she said was amplified by Russian sources.
"You don't need to listen to a podcaster and let them influence your opinion about a country. You can look at those facts yourself," She told the AP.
Loomer met with top Ukrainian officials and visited cultural sites, including Dormition Cathedral, which was attacked by Russia last month. Zelenskyy's office praised her visit, and Deputy Prime Minister Tetyana Berezhna expressed hope that Loomer's firsthand observations would influence U.S. Relations with Ukraine.
Loomer said she had spoken with Trump by phone and expects to meet with him after her trip. Trump shared video of her conversation with Zelenskyy on social media with the comment "Very good!!!"
Despite her shift on Ukraine, Loomer has not abandoned other controversial positions. She posted that she appreciated not seeing Muslims in Ukraine, calling it "refreshing."
In her interview, she warned against the broader influence of podcasters spreading misinformation, calling it a national security threat. She also urged the Trump administration to address Russian propaganda and foreign interference more seriously.
Loomer repeatedly stated that Ukraine did not finance her visit. "I can guarantee you I wasn't paid by anybody. I certainly wasn't paid by the government of Ukraine to come here," She said.