Macron Honors Senator Lindsay Graham, Key Republican Ally of Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron honored the memory of U.S. Senator Lindsay Graham, who passed away suddenly on July 11 at the age of 71. Macron described Graham as a significant figure who played an important role in supporting Ukraine and upholding shared values and transatlantic relations in recent years.

Macron's tribute came spontaneously at the end of a summit in Paris focused on the Coalition of Volunteers supporting Ukraine. He made the remarks while also acknowledging the reinforcement of U.S. sanctions against Russia. Graham, a Republican senator from South Carolina, was known as a strong proponent of foreign policy and emerged as Ukraine's most steadfast defender within the Republican Party. He also acted as an intermediary between U.S. President Donald Trump and Kyiv during Trump's administration.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had also expressed his regret over Graham's death on Sunday, calling him a "fervent defender" of bipartisan and bicameral U.S. support for Ukraine. Former President Donald Trump, who had previously been critical of Ukraine early in his term, also conveyed his condolences, defining Graham as "a true American Patriot."