US activist Laura Loomer shifts stance on Ukraine, proposes drone delivery of MAGA hats
A prominent US right-wing figure previously known for echoing Kremlin narratives has reversed her position after meeting Volodymyr Zelensky, highlighting the highly personal and unpredictable nature of current US-Ukraine diplomatic relations.
US activist Laura Loomer has abruptly reversed her longstanding criticism of Ukraine, announcing she will ask President Donald Trump to send signed “Make America Great Again” hats to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s residence via delivery drone. This shift follows an unreleased interview Loomer conducted with the Ukrainian leader during a recent visit to the country.
Writing on X, Loomer stated she told Zelensky he looked good in a suit and that she wants to see him wearing a MAGA hat next time. She noted that Zelensky received a signed hat during his last Oval Office visit, but his advisors missed out despite the president allegedly instructing his staff to provide them. Loomer intends to ask the White House to ship a new batch, suggesting a high-tech drone airdrop may be necessary due to closed Ukrainian airspace and strict security protocols.
The encounter also shed light on how Zelensky has navigated relations with the US administration. Zelensky revealed that he repaired his relationship with Trump during a brief, private meeting at the Vatican ahead of the funeral of Pope Francis. This diplomatic repair occurred shortly after a contentious February 2025 White House press conference where the Ukrainian leader faced criticism for wearing military gear.
“The tone has changed, absolutely,” Zelensky told Loomer regarding the shift in their dynamic. He described the 15-to-20-minute conversation in Rome as a historic moment that fundamentally altered their relations, noting that it was very good when they calmed down because a lot of life depends on those ties.
This development marks a stark departure for Loomer, who has nearly two million followers and has previously downplayed Russia’s invasion while disseminating Kremlin-friendly narratives. Experiencing an air raid firsthand prompted a public reassessment of her position.
“Just experienced my first air raid in Ukraine. Sirens blaring. This is everyday for every Ukrainian,” she posted on X. She admitted that while she often said she did not care in the past, looking back, that was not very nice of her to say.
Unconventional diplomatic channels
For European policymakers and investors monitoring the war, this episode underscores the extreme personalization of US-Ukraine diplomacy. The fact that a prominent American political activist is negotiating the symbolic delivery of campaign merchandise to an active war zone via drone illustrates the unconventional channels now shaping transatlantic support.
While the gesture remains largely symbolic, the underlying diplomatic thaw between Kyiv and Washington is a critical variable for Europe. Any stabilization in US backing directly impacts the continent’s security architecture and the long-term economic planning of nations bordering the conflict.
