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By Open Chronicle
European and international leaders have paid tribute to Republican US Senator Lindsey Graham, who died on Saturday at the age of 71 after what his office described as a brief and sudden illness.
Graham, one of the most influential foreign policy voices in the US Senate, had returned shortly before his death from a visit to Kyiv, where he discussed further sanctions against Russia and reaffirmed his support for Ukraine.
The South Carolina senator was first elected to the US House of Representatives in 1994 and entered the Senate in 2003 after winning the 2002 election. During more than three decades in Congress, he became known for his hawkish positions on national security, military affairs, and American engagement abroad.
Although Graham had once been a vocal critic of Donald Trump, he later became one of the president’s closest allies in Congress and a prominent defender of his administration.
Tributes from Europe
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Graham’s commitment to Ukraine and his efforts to increase pressure on Moscow.
She said the senator had continued supporting Ukraine’s fight for freedom and had worked to raise the cost of Russia’s war.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz described Graham as a true friend and partner of Germany, reflecting the senator’s longstanding support for transatlantic cooperation and NATO.
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was shocked and saddened by the news, joining political leaders across Europe in remembering Graham’s role in international affairs.
Ukraine mourns a strong supporter
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was deeply saddened by Graham’s death and described him as a determined leader whose influence extended far beyond the United States.
Kyiv valued Graham as one of the strongest advocates in Washington for military aid, sanctions against Russia, and continued American support for Ukraine. He had visited the country repeatedly since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.
Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Ukrainian presidential office, said Ukraine had lost a true friend.
Israeli leaders remember a close ally
Several senior Israeli officials also issued tributes, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog and Energy Minister Eli Cohen.
Graham had been one of Israel’s most consistent supporters in the US Senate and frequently advocated close security cooperation between Washington and Jerusalem.
A major figure in US foreign policy
Throughout his career, Graham played a prominent role in debates over Russia, Ukraine, Iran, Israel, NATO, and US military policy.
He served in senior congressional positions, including as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Budget Committee, and was regarded as one of the Republican Party’s most experienced figures in international affairs.
At the time of his death, Graham was seeking another Senate term and remained deeply involved in efforts to advance new sanctions against Russia. His sudden death leaves a significant gap in Republican foreign policy circles and has prompted tributes across the political spectrum in the United States and abroad.