US Senator Lindsey Graham dies at 71 after brief illness, office says

Republican US Senator Lindsey Graham has died at the age of 71 following a brief and sudden illness, his office announced on Sunday.

“His family asked for privacy during an incredibly difficult period,” the statement reads.

Graham, a Republican representing South Carolina, was first elected to the US Senate in 2002 and became a leading figure on national security and foreign policy issues. He served as chair of the Senate Budget Committee and was recognised as one of Trump’s closest allies in Congress.

The senator was also a vocal supporter of Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion, repeatedly backing increased US assistance for Kyiv and stronger sanctions against Moscow.

Shortly before his death, Graham visited Ukraine, where he met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and toured the Ukrainian drone manufacturer SkyFall. During the visit, he praised Ukraine’s defence technology and its potential for further military innovation.