Tributes are pouring in from across the Western world in the wake of Senator Lindsey Graham’s (R-S.C.) death late Saturday as a result of what his staff described as a “brief and sudden illness” suffered only hours after returning from what proved to be his 10th and last official trip to Ukraine.

Graham, 71, had announced on Friday an agreement with President Donald Trump on revisions designed to strengthen U.S. sanctions first imposed against Russia due to its invasion of Ukraine, beginning in 2022. The South Carolina Republican lawmaker was among the strongest congressional advocates on behalf of the U.S. military, economic, and diplomatic assistance to the Central European nation once known as “the bread basket of Europe.”

Graham was scheduled to appear Sunday on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” for what would have been his 64th appearance. Instead, Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be there in his stead. Both men considered Graham a friend and close political ally, especially on foreign policy issues.

Trump issued a statement on Truth Social describing Graham as “one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known … He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!” Netanyahu said “Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend,” and called Graham “a cherished friend of mine.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky lauded Graham for being “here with our people when it was most needed,” and described the U.S. lawmaker as “a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer.”

Family Research Council President Tony Perkins said Graham “embodied moral courage,” and called the South Carolinian “a voice for the defenseless” in his support for the unborn.

“Lindsey Graham was a true leader. Lindsey did the hard, often unseen work of accomplishing what has lasting value. Graham was not just a vote, he was a voice, a voice for the defenseless. He was never content with labels and just votes — but used his influence to advance the cause of life. When others grew quiet, Lindsey stepped forward and gave his colleagues a way to speak, clearly, courageously, and compassionately, about the dignity of every human life.”

Perkins also noted that Graham was “a consistent advocate for persecuted Christians around the world, those who suffer simply because they refuse to deny their faith,” and praised him for seeing “the global landscape the way a chess master sees the board, thinking several moves ahead. He remained steady, because he knew what is at stake — not just for us, but for our children and grandchildren.”

“That is moral courage,” Perkins continued. “And that same conviction was seen in his steadfast support for the State of Israel. He used his voice, and his influence, not for himself, but to protect and advance faith, family, and freedom. Lindsey Graham delivered on all three. I offer my deepest condolences — and our deepest gratitude — to the Graham family. America could use more leaders like Lindsey Graham who embodied moral courage: doing what is right for others, even when it may cost you personally.”

In Congress, Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) praised Graham as one who “from his humble beginnings to the Senate floor, Lindsey always led with faith, family, and South Carolina first. Lindsey remained committed to public service and doing what he loved. He always introduced levity and brought wit to the most challenging moments. Lindsey Graham will be missed.”

Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) said “there are no words to describe Lindsey Graham, my friend of more than three decades. There are no words to describe his impact on the foreign and domestic policy of the United States. Lindsey served his beloved country in uniform and in the House and Senate. He stood solidly for freedom and strength and he fought for liberty across the globe. Lindsey Graham can be succeeded in office, but he cannot be replaced.”

South Carolina’s Republican Governor Henry McMaster declared that “Lindsey Graham is irreplaceable. The fiercest of fighters for South Carolina and America — and a loyal and steadfast friend. We grieve with Darline, his family and his devoted staff. May God hold him gently in the palm of his hand. We shall not see his likes again.”

Graham, who never married, lost both of his parents within a little more than a year. Then only 21 years old, Graham became responsible for raising his 13-year-old sister, Darline, and would ultimately become her legal guardian. They were extremely close throughout Graham’s career.

He graduated from the University of South Carolina with a B.A. in psychology in 1977, then from the same school’s law school in 1981 before entering the U.S. Air Force in 1982 as a Judge Advocate (JAG). He served in that position for six years before returning to South Carolina to launch his political career.

Even after leaving active service, Graham continued in the Air National Guard and later the Air Force Reserve during his congressional career. He retired in 2015 with the rank of Colonel following a total of more than three decades in U.S. military service.

Graham’s political career began with service as a city attorney and a member of the South Carolina legislature. When he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994 as one of the “Contract with America” Republicans led by former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, Graham was the first Republican to represent South Carolina’s third congressional district since the Reconstruction era.

He occupied the seat until 2003, during which time among his most notable accomplishments was serving as one of the House Managers of the successful impeachment of then-President Bill Clinton following the Monica Lewinsky Affair. The Senate, however, did not convict Clinton. Graham left the House after being elected to the U.S. Senate in November 2002, succeeding Senator Strom Thurmond.

Throughout his congressional career, Graham was known as a fierce advocate of maintaining strong U.S. military forces and of an aggressive U.S. foreign policy, particularly in relations with the former Soviet Union and the communist regime in China. Graham was especially vigorous in his advocacy on behalf of Israel as America’s strongest and most reliable ally in the turbulent Middle East.

Former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Oren told the Associated Press that Graham’s passing is a significant loss for Israel because of the weakening of what for decades had been bipartisan and forceful U.S. support for the lone democratic government in the Middle East.

“You have a few Democrats and Republicans willing to stand up in Israel’s defense, but those type of people are few, it’s not a body of people. So, when you lose someone like Lindsey Graham, it’s a diplomatic and strategic loss for the state of Israel,” Oren said.