With Lindsey Graham Gone, Ukraine Loses an Ally in Trump’s Ear
NYT > U.S. > Politics — 2026-07-12 16:38:00 — www.nytimes.com
Donald Trump Praises Lindsey Graham as Ukraine Loses Key Ally
Donald Trump, speaking on CNN after the announcement of Senator Lindsey Graham’s death, described Graham as “a very strong military person” and praised him as one of his closest advisers. Trump also said he had spoken with Graham shortly before his passing and noted that the senator was tired after returning from Ukraine.
Graham’s death marks a significant loss for Ukraine, as he was the country’s most influential champion within Trump’s political circle. Graham’s unique position—combining an unwavering belief in a strong American role abroad with direct access to Trump—allowed him to repeatedly press the president to support Ukraine’s fight against Russia, even as Trump and his advisers favored a more isolationist, “America-first” approach.
Throughout his tenure, Graham often deferred to Trump when the president resisted supporting Ukraine’s battle for survival. However, Graham’s advocacy was instrumental in urging Trump to confront Russia directly and ensure Ukraine received critical military aid. In the days before his death, Graham was actively working to secure bipartisan support for new sanctions on Russia and had recently facilitated a pledge from Trump to allow Ukraine to produce Patriot air-defense systems—a move Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called a “positive signal.”
Trump’s comments following Graham’s death highlight the senator’s influence within the administration and underscore the shift in U.S. foreign policy priorities under Trump’s leadership. While Graham remained committed to a robust American presence on the global stage, Trump’s administration has consistently leaned toward disengagement and skepticism of foreign entanglements.
As Ukraine faces ongoing threats from Russia, the loss of Graham’s advocacy raises questions about the future of U.S. support, especially given Trump’s track record of prioritizing domestic concerns over international alliances. The coming months will test whether Graham’s efforts to bridge divides and secure aid for Ukraine will endure without his direct involvement.
In summary, Trump’s praise for Graham underscores the senator’s pivotal role in shaping U.S. policy toward Ukraine—a role that may now be difficult to fill as the administration continues to prioritize an inward-looking agenda.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/12/us/lindsey-graham-ukraine.html