New York Representative Elise Stefanik, who has been nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the US ambassador to the United Nations, is now distancing herself from her earlier advocacy for Ukraine’s NATO membership, which she previously described as essential for regional stability.

Her office has also refrained from confirming whether she maintains her assertion from 2022 that Russia committed genocide in Ukraine.

In 2022, Stefanik called for NATO to welcome Ukraine, particularly as Russia’s invasion intensified. She emphasized the need for substantial military assistance, recalling the Trump administration’s provision of Javelin missiles.

“I have witnessed the significance of Ukraine for the region,” she stated. “They must be granted NATO membership, and we should do everything possible to support them with munitions and javelins, which were supplied during the Trump administration.”

Her earlier remarks demonstrated a strong pro-Ukraine position that resonated with widespread bipartisan support for Kyiv during the initial stages of the conflict.

Currently, when inquired about her stance on NATO membership for Ukraine, a spokesperson for Stefanik did not provide a clear answer. Instead, her office indicated that she is aligning her views with Trump’s strategy.

Chairwoman Stefanik expresses her full support for President Trump’s peace through strength policy and intends to align with his leadership as Commander in Chief regarding effective strategies to conclude the conflict in Ukraine, according to her communications director, Ali Black, in a statement to CNN.

Stefanik’s ambiguous stance on Ukraine’s potential NATO membership arises amid a shift in public sentiment regarding aid, moving away from the initial strong support for Ukraine. Trump and other Republican figures have increasingly questioned the effectiveness of American military and financial assistance in a conflict that has persisted for over two and a half years.

Her approach in the House has also evolved in response to changing public opinion. Initially, she was a strong advocate for pro-Ukraine measures, endorsing various sanctions against Russia and supporting multiple military aid packages. However, in April, she opposed a $60 billion aid package for Ukraine, expressing concerns about the expenditure and emphasizing the need to focus on the crisis at the southern border.

This marks a departure from her statements in April 2022, when she proudly noted being among nearly 400 members of the US House sanctioned by Russia, referring to it as a “badge of honor.” At that time, she condemned Russia’s actions as “genocide” against the Ukrainian people and characterized President Vladimir Putin as a “thug” and “war criminal.”

When asked if she still stands by her previous assertions regarding Russia’s genocide in Ukraine, her office chose not to provide further comment.