Ukraine’s Zelenskyy meets with far-right US activist Laura Loomer

Laura Loomer, a prominent far-right commentator with close ties to US President Donald Trump, conducted an interview with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the social media platform Rumble. The meeting represented a significant shift in Loomer's public stance, as she had previously opposed American military aid to Ukraine and repeated criticisms echoing Russian narratives about the country.

Loomer announced to her substantial social media following that she had been mistaken in amplifying Russian propaganda. In her messaging, she characterized Russia's relationship with Iran as a threat to American forces, stating that Moscow continues to supply Tehran with weapons used against US soldiers. She indicated indifference to potential criticism from Republicans who have opposed Ukraine assistance.

Zelenskyy's office welcomed the visit, emphasizing the value of Loomer witnessing conditions in Ukraine firsthand. While Loomer holds no formal position within the Trump administration, she maintains a personal relationship with the president and has previously been granted Pentagon press credentials. Her influence extends to immigration and national security matters, areas where she has advocated for strict policies.

The encounter carries potential significance for US-Ukraine relations under the current administration. Trump and portions of his political base have historically questioned the rationale for American support to Kyiv. Although Trump pledged to resolve the conflict immediately upon taking office and has engaged in multiple communications with both Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, diplomatic progress toward ending the war has remained elusive.