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🇸🇪 Sweden /Conflict & Security

Maga influencer shifts from pro-Putin to pro-Ukraine stance after meeting Zelenskyy

From Svenska Dagbladet · () Swedish

Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Far-right influencer Laura Loomer, previously a critic of Ukraine and a spreader of Russian propaganda, has visited President Zelenskyy in Kyiv and declared her support for Ukraine.
  • Loomer stated she was misled by Russian propaganda, particularly claims that Ukraine is run by Nazis, and cited her Jewish identity as proof against such claims.
  • Her shift in stance is seen as timely for Ukraine, as she has a large social media following and follows other right-wing figures who have also changed their tune on supporting Ukraine.

Far-right influencer Laura Loomer, once a vocal critic of Ukraine and a propagator of Russian disinformation, has made a dramatic U-turn, publicly supporting Ukraine and interviewing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the presidential residence in Kyiv.

I admit, I have said terrible things about Ukraine and about you. I have mocked you.

— Laura LoomerDuring her interview with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

In a nearly 45-minute video, Loomer admitted to Zelenskyy that she had previously "said terrible things" about Ukraine and mocked him. She told The Kyiv Independent that she had been "fooled" by Russian propaganda, especially claims that Ukraine was controlled by Nazis. Loomer, who is Jewish, pointed to the Star of David necklace she wore as evidence that the country is not run by Nazis, adding with a laugh, "It's my proof."

I bought into this from a very nice Orthodox Ukrainian here around the corner.

— Laura LoomerExplaining how she was misled by Russian propaganda.

Loomer's visit, initiated by her according to the presidential office, has drawn significant attention. Her change of heart comes at a convenient time for Ukraine, as she commands a following of one million on social media platforms. This comes shortly after the death of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, a strong Ukraine advocate. Loomer remains a controversial figure, continuing to promote the false claim that the 2020 U.S. presidential election was rigged and has espoused conspiracy theories about the 9/11 attacks, identifying as a "proud Islamophobe."

It is my proof that the country is not run by Nazis.

— Laura LoomerReferring to her Star of David necklace as evidence against Nazi claims.

Loomer is not alone among right-wing figures to shift their stance. Tim Pool, another American far-right personality who previously called Ukraine an "enemy" and urged the U.S. to cut aid, recently posted on X, encouraging Donald Trump to back Ukraine in its war against Russia. Even former President Trump has shown a nuanced shift, initially promising Ukraine licenses to produce Patriot missiles, then backtracking to say the issue was under discussion and difficult. Trump did, however, praise Loomer's interview with Zelenskyy on Truth Social, calling it "very good!!!!!"

very good!!!!!

— Donald TrumpCommenting on Laura Loomer's interview with Zelenskyy on Truth Social.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Svenska Dagbladet in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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