KYIV — Laura Loomer, a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump known for her provocative social media presence, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday, marking a notable shift in her stance on the conflict in Ukraine.

Loomer, who has nearly 2 million followers, had previously downplayed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and echoed narratives aligned with Russian propaganda. She had criticized U.S. assistance to Ukraine, describing the country as “full of Nazi apologists” and accusing its leadership of sympathizing with extremist groups—claims that Russia has used to justify its military actions.

However, during her visit to Kyiv, Loomer experienced her first air raid sirens, an event she described on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). “Just experienced my first air raid in Ukraine. Sirens blaring. This is everyday for every Ukrainian,” she wrote. She acknowledged her earlier indifference by stating, “I often said I don’t care. Looking back, that wasn’t very nice of me to say,” adding a call for “moral clarity” in assessing the conflict.

The reasons behind Loomer’s trip to Ukraine and the arrangement of her meeting with President Zelenskyy have not been publicly disclosed. She indicated that the encounter was part of an interview for her online show, “Loomer Unleashed,” which streams on the platform Rumble.

Observers note that Loomer’s dramatic reversal may have implications for political discussions in the United States, particularly among factions aligned with Trump, where opinions on U.S. support for Ukraine have been divisive. Her change in perspective highlights the complex and evolving nature of public opinion surrounding the war.