12.07.2026 11:20
U.S. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham has passed away at the age of 71. It has emerged that Graham, one of Donald Trump's closest political allies, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv just one day before his death. Known for his tough stance on Iran and strong support for Ukraine, Graham was considered one of the most influential figures in U.S. foreign policy.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who represented the U.S. state of South Carolina in the Senate, died at the age of 71 due to a sudden illness.
In a statement from Graham's office, it was stated that the veteran senator died on Saturday evening, July 11, as a result of a "brief and sudden illness," and it was noted that his family requested privacy.
HIS LAST MEETING WAS WITH LEADER ZELENSKY
Graham's last official overseas trip before his death was to Ukraine. The veteran senator met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on July 10. The meeting addressed Ukraine's air defense needs, planned new sanctions against Russia, and the course of the war. In a statement following the meeting, Graham argued that China's influence over Russia is critically important for ending the war. Footage published by Reuters showed Graham speaking to the press after meeting with Zelensky.
CARDIAC ARREST REPORT
According to the U.S. press, after Graham returned to Washington, health teams were dispatched to his home on Capitol Hill following a report of a "cardiac arrest." Graham was taken to the hospital by medical personnel but could not be saved despite interventions.
ONE OF TRUMP'S CLOSEST ALLIES
Serving in the Senate since 2003, Graham was considered one of the most influential figures in the Republican Party on defense and foreign policy.
Although he criticized Donald Trump during the 2016 election process, he later became one of Trump's strongest supporters in Congress. Serving as Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, Graham was preparing to run for a fifth term in the November elections.
KNOWN FOR HIS HAWKISH STANCE ON IRAN AND UKRAINE
Lindsey Graham was one of the leading advocates of the toughest policies against Iran in the U.S. Senate. Graham, who openly supported Israel's military operations against Iran, argued that the Washington administration should take stricter steps against Tehran. He was also known as one of the strongest advocates for increasing military aid to Ukraine.
WHO IS LINDSEY GRAHAM?
Born on July 9, 1955, in South Carolina, Lindsey Olin Graham served as a legal officer in the U.S. Air Force after completing his legal education. Graham served in the House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003 and took office in the Senate starting in 2003. Known for his harsh rhetoric on foreign policy, defense, and national security, Graham was considered among the most influential 'hawkish' politicians in the Republican Party.