Sen. Lindsey Graham’s final overseas trip took him to a highly classified Ukrainian drone production facility, where he praised the country’s military innovation just one day before his sudden death at the age of 71.

The South Carolina Republican died last night following what his office described as a brief illness. His final public appearances included meetings with top Ukrainian officials, discussions on sanctions against Russia, and a rare visit inside a secret factory producing some of Ukraine’s most effective combat drones.

According to Ukraine Pravda, Graham toured a manufacturing facility operated by Ukrainian defense company SkyFall during his visit to the country. The trip came only hours before news emerged that he had fallen ill.

While in Ukraine, Graham also held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), who was traveling with the senator, also met with the Ukrainian leader.

Just a day before his death, Graham announced that he had reached an understanding with the White House regarding legislation imposing additional sanctions on Russia, saying the Trump administration was prepared to back the measure.

During his visit to the SkyFall facility, Graham observed the production of Ukraine’s Vampire bomber drones, commonly referred to as “Baba Yaga,” which have become a key weapon in the country’s war effort.

The senator said the United States has much to gain from Ukraine’s rapid progress in unmanned aerial vehicle technology.

“I believe that it would be a huge mistake for America not to cooperate with Ukraine in the field of drones. They are ready to help us, because we were ready to support Ukraine in the most difficult times,” Graham was quoted as saying.

The Vampire drones, designed to transport explosive payloads deep behind enemy positions, have become an important part of Ukraine’s battlefield strategy.

Following Graham’s passing, President Zelensky issued a heartfelt tribute honoring the longtime senator’s support for Ukraine.

“Lindsey was a true defender of freedom and of the values that make our world safer,” Zelensky said in his statement, noting that Graham had visited Ukraine ten times during the war.

“We were in constant dialogue, which I will miss,” the Ukrainian President said, adding that “in recent weeks [Graham] worked on important initiatives that could help bring peace closer, including strengthening sanctions against Russia.”

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha also mourned Graham’s death, describing him as a “true friend” and “one of the strongest voices” supporting Ukraine in its fight against Russia. Sybiha said Graham consistently advocated for tougher sanctions on Moscow while helping ensure Ukraine received the assistance it needed to defend itself.

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte likewise honored Graham’s legacy, saying the senator “was a powerful advocate for America who believed strongly in the NATO Alliance and was actively working to bring an end to Russia’s war against Ukraine.”

Graham’s office announced that he died “from a brief and sudden illness.”

“Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,” the statement read.

Authorities responded Saturday to a report of a “cardiac arrest” at Graham’s Washington, D.C., residence. Images from the scene showed emergency crews transporting a person on a stretcher from the home to a waiting ambulance.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune reflected on Graham’s decades of public service, saying his “long and dedicated service in the Air Force and in Congress carried him to far-flung regions of the world,” adding that “he was a strong advocate for the United States and a strong ally to freedom-loving countries across the globe.”

Thune added that Graham “believed in the might of America to achieve good in the world and dedicated his life to advancing that cause.”

{Matzav.com}