Republican senator visited Ukraine shortly before his death and on Friday announced an agreement with the D. Trump administration on a sanctions package against Russia.
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President Volodymyr Zelensky said that L. Graham, whom he met this week, had visited Ukraine 10 times since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 and “was here with our people when it was most needed.”
He added that “Lindsey was a true defender of freedom and values that make our world safer.”
European Commission (EC) head Ursula von der Leyen said on Sunday that L. Graham will be “greatly missed” and praised him for his support for Ukraine in the fight against Russia.
“Senator Graham fought until the very end to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom and to increase the cost of Russia’s aggressive war. He worked tirelessly to strengthen sanctions, closely cooperating with the EU,” U. von der Leyen posted online.
“A determined and fearless leader. He will be greatly missed,” she said.
“Very sad to hear about the sudden death of my friend Lindsey Graham,” NATO leader Mark Rutte posted online.
“He was a powerful defender of America, firmly believing in the NATO alliance and actively seeking to end Russia’s war against Ukraine,” he emphasized.
“A good friend of Lithuania”
71-year-old L. Graham also earned respect on NATO’s eastern flank, where Russia’s intentions are viewed with great concern.
“I am very saddened to learn about the death of Senator Lindsey Graham. I express my sincere condolences to his family, loved ones, colleagues, and all the American people,” wrote Lithuania’s appointed foreign minister Kęstutis Budrys on social network X on Sunday.
“Senator Lindsey Graham was a good friend of Lithuania, a strong supporter of transatlantic unity, and an unwavering supporter of Ukraine. His dedication to the values of democracy, security, and international partnership earned respect and gratitude from many people across Europe. His voice will be missed, but his legacy will remain,” he said.
Acting Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė also expressed condolences over the senator’s death.
“Senator Lindsey Graham was a loyal friend of Lithuania, a strong supporter of transatlantic unity, and a determined supporter of Ukraine. His dedication to our shared values and security will always be remembered,” the condolence message stated.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that “Estonia will remember him as a loyal friend, a strong supporter of NATO’s eastern flank, and a firm advocate for Ukraine.”
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže said he was “among the strongest supporters of NATO and transatlantic relations (and) aid to Ukraine in fighting Russian aggression.”
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Finnish President Alexander Stubb called L. Graham “a personal friend, a supporter of NATO and Ukraine, a transatlanticist, a friend of Finland.”
“One of the finest people”
Once a critic of D. Trump, later becoming a close ally, L. Graham advised the president on foreign policy issues such as Iran and Russia.
He long supported policies aimed at isolating Iran and limiting its missile and nuclear programs, welcomed last year’s D. Trump decision to strike nuclear sites, and supported the latest conflict.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called him “a great friend of Israel” and “a dear friend of mine.”
B. Netanyahu said L. Graham understood that the security of Israel and the US is inseparable and dedicated his life to defending America, strengthening the US-Israel alliance, and fighting for the free world.
“Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. The US has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend,” B. Netanyahu said.
US President D. Trump honored the memory of Republican Senator L. Graham on his social network Truth Social.
“Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the finest people and senators I have ever known, has died! He always worked hard and was a true American patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!” D. Trump said.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster called L. Graham “irreplaceable” in a statement posted on social network X.
“The fiercest fighter for South Carolina and America and a loyal and steadfast friend,” H. McMaster said.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune recalled that “Lindsey’s long and dedicated service in the military air forces and Congress took him to the farthest regions of the world.”
“He was a strong advocate for the US and a strong ally of freedom-loving countries worldwide,” J. Thune added. “He believed in America’s power to do good in the world and dedicated his life to achieving this goal.”
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