WASHINGTON, July 12: US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a prominent foreign policy figure and one of President Donald Trump’s closest allies, has died at the age of 71 following a brief and sudden illness, his office announced.
His death prompted tributes from leaders across NATO, Ukraine and Israel, who remembered him as a strong supporter of trans-Atlantic partnerships and global security.
Graham was among the most vocal Republican supporters of Ukraine in its war against Russia and had recently travelled to Kyiv, where he announced progress on a sanctions package targeting Moscow.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy praised him as a defender of freedom who stood with Ukraine during difficult times.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Graham a great friend of Israel and credited him with strengthening the US-Israel alliance.
Graham was also known for supporting tougher policies against Iran and advocating strong ties with US allies.
A former Air Force officer and lawyer, Graham represented South Carolina in the Senate for over two decades.
Though he was once a critic of Trump during the 2016 Republican primaries, he later became a key political ally and adviser on foreign policy matters. (AP)
