Russia’s interior ministry has issued an arrest warrant for US Senator Lindsey Graham, a move that comes in response to his remarks on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, recently met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and made comments that outrage in Russia. In an edited video released by Zelensky’s office, Graham was seen saying that “the Russians are dying” and describing US military assistance to Ukraine as “the best money we’ve ever spent”. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reacted to the comments, stating that “it’s hard to imagine a greater shame for the country than having such senators”.
Graham’s comments were likely seized upon by Russian authorities as a way to reinforce their narrative that the international community is actively supporting Ukraine against Russia. Russia’s Investigative Committee, the country’s top criminal investigation agency, has opened a criminal inquiry against Graham in response to his remarks, and the interior ministry has issued a warrant for his arrest. Graham’s comments have not gone unchallenged, with over 200 US members of Congress banned from entering Russia last year, a move seen as a retaliatory measure against those supporting Ukraine.
Lindsey Graham (Via Lindsey Graham/Twitter)
Graham, however, remains unapologetic about his stance, stating on Twitter that “to know that my commitment to Ukraine has drawn the ire of Putin’s regime brings me immense joy”. He added that he will “continue to stand with and for Ukraine’s freedom until every Russian soldier is expelled from Ukrainian territory”. In a defiant tone, Graham also stated that he will “wear the arrest warrant issued by Putin’s corrupt and immoral government as a Badge of Honour”.
