US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has died following a brief and sudden illness.
The Senate office issued a statement indicating him passing on Saturday evening, expressing that his family appreciates prayers during this difficult time and requesting privacy.
Graham was first elected to the Senate in 2002 and served for 24 years as one of Washington’s leading foreign‑policy influencers, and a key ally of former President Donald Trump. He also chaired the Senate Budget Committee and was a staunch advocate of U.S. support for Ukraine.
Just a few days before his death, Graham flew to Kyiv, where he met President Volodymyr Zelensky. The trip was part of his efforts to advance a Russia sanctions bill that could give the administration tools to address the conflict.
In a post honoring the late senator, Trump referred to Graham as a "true American Patriot." Graham’s supporters noted that, although earlier in his career he had clashed with Trump, he became one of the former president’s staunchest backers.
Formerly known for framing U.S. policy towards Russia as a test of global stability, Graham warned that "Putin will not stop in Ukraine" and linked weaker positions in Ukraine to losses in Taiwan.
For more on Lindsey Graham’s career and recent policy positions, see the original BBC News report: bbc.com/news.
