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Leaders across NATO, Ukraine and Israel paid tribute to Senator Lindsey Graham after his death. Their messages highlighted his enduring influence on support for allies, sanctions on Russia and the US-Israel partnership.
Washington,UPDATED: Jul 12, 2026 15:38 IST
Leaders from NATO countries, Ukraine and Israel paid tribute on Sunday to US Senator Lindsey Graham, remembering him as a friend, partner and strong backer of trans-Atlantic ties. Graham was widely seen as a constant presence in foreign policy before and during President Donald Trump's time in office.
The Republican senator had visited Ukraine shortly before his death and had announced on Friday that he had reached an agreement with the Trump administration to move ahead with a sanctions package against Russia. Tributes from Europe and Israel focused on his support for Ukraine, NATO and the US-Israel alliance.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he had met Graham twice in the past week and noted that the senator had visited Ukraine 10 times since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Zelenskyy said Graham "was here with our people when it was most needed" and added that "Lindsey was a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer".
Graham also drew praise from countries on NATO's eastern edge, where Russia's intentions are viewed with concern. Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said, "Estonia will remember him as a steadfast friend, a strong supporter of NATO's eastern flank, and an unwavering advocate for Ukraine". Latvia's Foreign Minister Baiba Braze said he was "among the strongest supporters of NATO and transatlantic relations (and) assistance to Ukraine in countering Russian aggression". Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said, "His commitment to the values of democracy, security, and international partnership earned him the respect and gratitude of many across Europe. His voice will be missed, but his legacy will endure." Finnish President Alexander Stubb called Graham "a personal friend. A supporter of @NATO and Ukraine. A Transatlanticist. A friend of Finland".
Graham, once a critic of Trump before becoming a close ally, advised the president on foreign policy issues including Iran and Russia. He had long supported efforts to isolate Iran and curb its missile and nuclear programmes, backed Trump's decision to strike nuclear sites last year and supported the latest conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called him "a great friend of Israel" and "a cherished friend of mine". Netanyahu said Graham understood that the security of Israel and the United States is inseparable and that he devoted his life to defending America, strengthening the US-Israel alliance and standing up for the free world. "Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend," Netanyahu said.
Iranian state television announced Graham's death during a live broadcast in openly hostile language. "I congratulate the great nation of Iran on Lindsey Graham, the warmongering and anti-Iranian US senator, having gone to hell," the anchor said. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said, "Lindsey's long and dedicated service in the Air Force and in Congress carried him to far-flung regions of the world" and added, "He was a strong advocate for the United States and a strong ally to freedom-loving countries across the globe. He believed in the might of America to achieve good in the world and dedicated his life to advancing that cause." The tributes underlined Graham's role in US foreign policy and his long-standing support for allies across Europe, Ukraine and Israel.
With PTI Inputs
- Ends
Published By:
India Today Web Desk
Published On:
Jul 12, 2026 15:38 IST
