Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky mourned Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), who passed away Saturday at age 71 just hours after departing Kiev following what would be his final public appearance.
Graham met with Zelensky on Friday, announcing progress with the White House on a sanctions package against Russia “that will give President Trump tools to end this war.”
He promised “when I get back to Washington” he would put together a bi-partisan effort to adopt the package.
“Deeply saddened by the news of the passing of United States Senator Lindsey Graham,” Zelensky said in a statement posted on X. “Lindsey was a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer.”
The Ukraine leader recalled Graham’s ten visits to Ukraine during Russia’s invasion.
“We remained in constant dialogue, and I will miss our conversations,” Zelensky continued. “We met twice in just the past week.”
Graham’s Friday trip included a tour of SkyFall, a technology-defense company manufacturing drones and interceptor systems.
“I believe that it would be a huge mistake for America not to cooperate with Ukraine in the field of drones,” Graham told reporters following the tour. “They are ready to help us because we were ready to support Ukraine in the hardest times.”
“A staunch advocate for bipartisan and bicameral support for Ukraine, in recent weeks, he had been working on important initiatives that could help bring peace closer, including stronger sanctions against Russia. We will always be especially grateful for the recognition of our people and words of admiration for the courage of Ukraine’s defenders.”
Graham’s office announced his passing early Sunday, releasing few details and saying only the senator passed away following a “brief and sudden illness.”
The South Carolina senator had represented the state since 2003 and was seeking a fifth term in the 2026 midterm election.
Graham was a long-time advocate of using U.S. military might to shape world affairs, including most recently his fervent support for President Donald Trump’s campaign in Iran.
His advocacy of Ukraine’s military effort against Russia was in keeping with that philosophy.
The senator was a U.S. Air Force veteran who served more than 33 years in active duty, the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves before retiring in 2015.
“America and the world have lost a determined leader,” Zelensky concluded. “Our condolences go out to Lindsey’s family, loved ones, and everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him.”
Deeply saddened by the news of the passing of United States Senator Lindsey Graham. Lindsey was a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer.
He visited Ukraine ten times during the years of Russia's full-scale invasion and was here with our people when it… pic.twitter.com/7oE2F5ZDAy
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) July 12, 2026
