Senator Lindsey Graham Visits Ukrainian Drone Factory Before Sudden Passing
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham made a visit to a classified military drone manufacturing facility in Ukraine on Saturday night, just a day before his unexpected death at the age of 71.
The Republican senator from South Carolina toured the production site of the Ukrainian defense company Skyfall as part of his trip to Ukraine, which occurred mere hours before the announcement of his passing due to a sudden illness, as reported by the Ukrainian newspaper Pravda.
While in Ukraine, Graham also met with President Volodymyr Zelensky and Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas).
During his visit, Graham indicated that he had reached a consensus with the White House on a sanctions bill targeting Russia, which he said the Trump administration was ready to support.
He toured the factory where the infamous “Baba Yaga” vampire bomber drone is produced and expressed that there is much the U.S. could learn from Ukraine’s advancements in drone technology.
“It would be a huge mistake for the United States not to collaborate with Ukraine regarding drones. The United States is prepared to assist because we have always stood by Ukraine during its toughest times,” Graham was quoted as saying.
Drones, capable of dropping explosives behind enemy lines, are pivotal in Ukraine’s military strategy.
After the tragic news broke, President Zelensky paid tribute to Graham, stating, “Lindsay was a true champion of freedom and the values that make our world safer,” mentioning that Graham had visited Ukraine ten times throughout the war.
He added, “We maintained ongoing discussions, and I will miss them. Recently, he undertook significant efforts to facilitate peace, including advocating for harsher sanctions against Russia.”
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sibikha referred to Graham as a “true friend” and a “strong voice” for Ukraine in its battle against Russia, noting that he pushed for more robust sanctions to assist Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte also honored Graham, saying he was a “strong advocate for the U.S. who firmly believed in the NATO alliance and actively sought to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.”
Graham passed away Saturday night after a “short, sudden illness,” according to his office’s statement.
The statement expressed gratitude for the public’s prayers and requested privacy for Graham’s family during this difficult time.
Emergency responders had been called to Graham’s home in Washington, D.C., for a reported “cardiac arrest,” and photos from the scene showed paramedics carrying a stretcher from his residence to an awaiting ambulance.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune remarked on Graham’s long service in both the Air Force and Congress, emphasizing his commitment to defending America and supporting freedom-loving nations globally. Thune noted that Graham believed in the positive influence of America in the world and dedicated his life to that mission.
