Russian media outlets, pro-Russian Telegram channels, and accounts on the social media platform X are circulating what they claim is a photograph of a white construction helmet displayed under glass. A plaque next to it allegedly reads: “The helmet worn by Laura Loomer, a great friend of Ukraine and a fighter for truth.” Russian propagandists claim that the helmet worn by the American blogger during her visit to Ukraine is supposedly on display at the Holodomor Museum in Kyiv.

This claim is fake. The image was most likely generated using artificial intelligence. This is supported by the results of two automated synthetic content detection services. Hive Moderation assessed the likelihood that the image was AI-generated at 96%, while AI or Not gave a 90% probability.

There is no information about such an “exhibit” either on the official website or social media pages of the Holodomor Museum, or on the official resources of DTEK.

Laura Loomer did wear a helmet bearing the logo of the Ukrainian energy company during a visit to a power substation in the Kyiv region that had been damaged by Russian forces in 2022. The facility was restored with support from the U.S. government.

An image of a DTEK helmet displayed at Expo 2025 in Osaka may have been one of the visual sources used to create the fake “exhibition.” That image also shows a helmet placed under glass on a yellow display stand.

The Ukrainian energy worker’s helmet was presented in the Ukrainian pavilion and symbolized the resilience of energy sector employees who keep the country supplied with electricity amid Russian attacks.

The spread of this fake story is aimed at discrediting Ukrainian cultural institutions and undermining foreign support for Ukraine. At the same time, propagandists are attempting to portray Laura Loomer’s visit to Ukraine as merely a publicity stunt.

Laura Loomer is an American influencer, blogger, and prominent figure in the MAGA movement who has close ties to U.S. President Donald Trump. She previously opposed support for Ukraine but later acknowledged that she had been influenced by Russian propaganda.

During her visit to Ukraine in July 2026, Loomer met with President Volodymyr Zelensky, visited Kyiv and areas near the front line, and witnessed the aftermath of Russian strikes. She condemned Russia’s aggression and called on the United States to provide Ukraine with additional missiles for Patriot air defense systems.

As reported by Ukrinform, Russian propagandists previously spread disinformation surrounding the death of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham.

By Andrii Olenin