Donald Trump ally Laura Loomer has dramatically reversed her stance on Ukraine after visiting Kyiv, where she met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, experienced Russian air raid sirens and called for "moral clarity" over Moscow's invasion. The high-profile MAGA influencer also revealed that Zelenskyy expects to meet Trump in Washington next week, signalling what could be a significant shift in relations between the White House and Kyiv as Congress considers tougher sanctions on Russia. Kyiv visit sparks change of heart Loomer, who has previously criticised US support for Ukraine and echoed narratives promoted by the Kremlin, described her first experience of a Russian air raid as a turning point. "Just experienced my first air raid in Ukraine. Sirens blaring. This is every day for every Ukrainian," she wrote on X. Reflecting on her previous comments, she added: "I often said I don't care. Looking back, that wasn't very nice of me to say. We need to have moral clarity." Her visit included a one-on-one interview with Zelenskyy at the presidential palace, during which she said no subject was off limits. Zelenskyy points to Trump meeting During the interview, Zelenskyy said he expects to travel to Washington next week, where he will likely attend the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham and hold talks with President Trump. The Ukrainian leader also said relations with Trump had improved significantly since their meeting in the Vatican in April 2025, describing the brief conversation as a "historic moment" that transformed ties between the two leaders. Trump later praised the interview on Truth Social, calling it "Very good!!!!", while the White House confirmed a meeting between the presidents is scheduled for Tuesday. Sanctions and battlefield pressure Loomer also endorsed tougher US sanctions on Russia, arguing Moscow's support for Iran strengthens the case for increasing economic pressure. She said Russia should face measures severe enough to force it towards peace, marking a sharp departure from her previous opposition to backing Ukraine. The apparent shift comes as Ukraine intensifies long-range drone attacks inside Russia while continuing to face deadly missile and bomb strikes. Ukrainian officials and commentators say changing rhetoric among influential figures within Trump's political movement could strengthen Kyiv's position as Western support remains under scrutiny. A symbolic visit beyond politics Loomer's trip extended beyond the presidential palace. She visited Kyiv's historic Dormition Cathedral, which was damaged in a Russian drone attack, and criticised President Vladimir Putin's claims of defending Christianity while attacking religious sites. She also met Ukraine's Chief Rabbi, Moshe Reuven Azman, who said he described the human cost of Russia's invasion and the suffering endured by Ukrainian civilians. Ukrainian officials welcomed Loomer's visit, saying seeing the war first-hand had challenged long-held misconceptions about the conflict. MAGA influencer Laura Loomer reverses course on Ukraine after Kyiv visit
