NATO allies, Ukraine, and Israel offered tributes to U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham on Sunday, remembering him as a dedicated friend, partner, and advocate for trans-Atlantic relations and global security.
Graham, a prominent Republican figure in foreign policy, had recently visited Ukraine and announced an agreement with the Trump administration to implement sanctions against Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Graham, whom he met twice in the past week, had visited Ukraine 10 times since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Zelenskyy emphasized Graham's presence during critical moments, calling him "a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer."
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg commended the South Carolina senator's "tireless commitment" to the alliance and the trans-Atlantic bond, as well as his "staunch support" for Ukraine. Stoltenberg noted Graham's active efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine.
Leaders from NATO's eastern flank, where concerns about Russia are significant, also expressed their respect. Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna remembered Graham as a "steadfast friend" and a strong supporter of NATO's eastern flank and Ukraine. Latvia's Baiba Braže described him as "among the strongest supporters of NATO and transatlantic relations (and) assistance to Ukraine in countering Russian aggression."
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys highlighted Graham's "commitment to the values of democracy, security, and international partnership," stating that his voice would be missed but his legacy would endure. Finnish President Alexander Stubb called Graham "a personal friend. A supporter of @NATO and Ukraine. A Transatlanticist. A friend of Finland."
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz referred to Graham as "a true friend and partner of Germany in the transatlantic alliance," noting a partnership that spanned over four decades.
In addition to his focus on Ukraine and NATO, Graham was also a significant figure in U.S. policy toward the Middle East. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Graham "a great friend of Israel" and a personal friend, emphasizing Graham's understanding that the security of Israel and the United States are intertwined. Netanyahu stated that "Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend."
Michael Oren, former Israeli ambassador to the U.S., commented that Graham's passing removes a staunchly pro-Israel voice from Congress during a critical period, calling it a "diplomatic and strategic loss for the state of Israel."
Meanwhile, Iranian state television offered a hostile commentary on Graham's death, with an anchor reportedly saying, "I congratulate the great nation of Iran on Lindsey Graham, the warmongering and anti-Iranian U.S. senator, having gone to hell."