“Chairwoman Stefanik fully supports President Trump’s peace through strength policy agenda and will follow his lead as Commander in Chief on best practices to end the war in Ukraine,” her communications director, Ali Black, told CNN.
Stefanik’s non-answer on Ukraine’s possible NATO membership comes as public opinion on providing aid has shifted away from the early US support for Ukraine, with Trump and other Republicans voicing increasing skepticism about the role of American military and financial aid in the prolonged conflict that has gone on for more than two and a half years.
Stefanik’s actions in the House also have shifted with public opinion. She initially championed pro-Ukraine legislation and supported numerous sanctions against Russia along with multiple rounds of military aid for Ukraine. But in April, she voted against a $60 billion Ukraine aid package, citing concerns over the spending and saying it was better to prioritize the crisis at the southern border.
That stands at contrast with comments she made in April 2022, when she touted that she was among nearly 400 members of the US House of Representatives sanctioned by Russia, calling it a “badge of honor.” She described Russia’s actions as “genocide” against the Ukrainian people and labeled Russian President Vladimir Putin a “thug” and “war criminal.”
Her office declined to comment further when asked if she stood by her past comments that Russia was committing genocide in Ukraine.
