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Graham Champions Trump’s Peace Efforts in Ukraine
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) recently took to social media to commend the Trump administration’s attempts to facilitate a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, over three years into the conflict.
In a post shared on the platform X, Graham expressed, “I very much appreciate [Trump] and his team working diligently to end the war in Ukraine — that was created by [Russian President Vladimir] Putin’s barbaric invasion — in an honorable and just way.” His remarks come amid discussions in Congress and the White House regarding potential additional sanctions against Moscow.
Graham revealed bipartisan legislation he is involved with, which has garnered the support of nearly 60 cosponsors. This proposal aims to impose secondary tariffs on any nation that purchases Russian oil, gas, uranium, or other products. He emphasized that “The Senate stands ready to move in this direction and will do so overwhelmingly if Russia does not embrace an honorable, just, and enduring peace.”
These comments were made shortly after Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Vatican City, prior to attending Pope Francis’s funeral. This meeting marked their first direct conversation since a contentious discussion at the White House earlier in the year, as the Trump administration intensified pressure on Zelensky regarding a pending mineral agreement.
In recent days, Trump has voiced frustration towards both Putin and Zelensky due to the sluggish pace of peace negotiations. Following a series of deadly strikes in Ukraine, where at least eight people were killed, Trump criticized Zelensky for refusing to recognize Russia’s hold on Crimea.
“I am not happy with the Russian strikes on KYIV,” Trump stated on Truth Social. “Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!”
On the following Saturday, Trump acknowledged that Putin might be attempting to deceive him, a notable shift from his previous tone. Meanwhile, Graham, who shared Trump’s statement, remains a prominent advocate for ongoing support to Ukraine — a position that is less common within the GOP ranks.
“If we pull the plug on Ukraine, it’d be worse than Afghanistan. I don’t think President Trump has any desire to do that,” he remarked last month, during a politically tense moment that led to Zelensky’s hasty exit from the Oval Office.
“But until we have a ceasefire, I would provide Ukraine with the necessary intelligence and weaponry to defend themselves,” he continued to assert. Following a brief pause on aid, the White House eventually resumed support for Ukraine. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President Vance have indicated that the U.S. may reconsider its role in negotiations if an agreement isn’t reached promptly.
Source
thehill.com