KYIV — Laura Loomer gave an interview in Kyiv, Ukraine, on July 26, 2026, where she publicly renounced her prior reliance on Russian propaganda regarding the war. The American political activist stated that she had been misled by online information sources and now recognized the reality of the conflict through direct observation. The interview context shifted when a ballistic missile attack on Kyiv forced Loomer and reporters into an underground bomb shelter.

Loomer used the opportunity to detail her reversal of long-held views. She said she had been misled by Russian propaganda and had come to believe untrue things about Ukraine, including the idea that it was a country full of Nazis.

She attributed her previous exposure to such narratives to being banned from major American social media platforms, which led her to use Telegram. She said the Russians are very good at capitalizing on people’s rage and that she had been very angry. She noted that her perspective shifted after observing podcasters like Tucker Carlson criticize Donald Trump while their rhetoric was simultaneously amplified by Russian sources.

During her trip, Loomer interviewed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for her show on Rumble. She also met with top Ukrainian officials and Ukraine's chief rabbi. Her itinerary included a tour of the Dormition Cathedral of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a monastic complex that was attacked by Russia in June 2026.

Loomer emphasized the danger of relying on personality-driven media for geopolitical analysis. She said people do not need to listen to a podcaster to form opinions about a country and can look at facts directly. She stated that podcasters spreading misinformation constitute a major national security threat.

She said such figures have warped people’s minds to the point where they are no longer capable of analyzing subjects with common sense, as they depend on personalities to shape their views. She added that information warfare has the potential to be more destructive than any kinetic war the U.S. may ever face. She also said she believes some U.S. leaders are being influenced by propaganda.

Following her meeting with Zelenskyy, Loomer spoke with Donald Trump by phone. She said she expects to meet with Trump after returning from her trip to Ukraine. She said it is looking good for Ukraine and that the upcoming meeting at the Oval Office is looking promising.

Trump later amplified a clip from Loomer’s interview with Zelenskyy on Truth Social, writing 'very good!!!!' Loomer does not hold an official role in the U.S. government, though she traveled with Trump during his 2024 presidential campaign. She was previously affiliated with the far-right website The Daily Caller and was a regular contributor to the Trump-aligned podcast 'The Deletionists.'

In 2022, Loomer was banned from Twitter for violating the platform’s policies on misinformation and conspiracy theories. In 2023, she was cited by the nonprofit group Media Matters for America for spreading false claims about Ukrainian refugees. Loomer stated that Ukraine is not paying for her travel expenses.

Zelenskyy's office stated on social media, "It takes courage to come to Ukraine and not be deterred by Russian propaganda or air raid sirens." Tetyana Berezhna, Ukraine's deputy prime minister and minister of culture, commented on the visit's potential impact. She said Loomer is very powerful and authoritative in the U.S. and expressed hope that what Loomer saw firsthand would help her spread the truth upon returning to the U.S. Berezhna said she believes the visit will have a significant impact on relations with the U.S. administration.