Russia’s Interior Ministry wants Lindsey Graham arrested, and the Republican Senator is taking it in stride.
What Happened: Graham recently met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv. During the meeting, the South Carolina Republican said "Russians are dying" and it's "the best money we've ever spent," referring to the $75 billion in financial assistance the U.S. has provided Ukraine over the last 15 months.
Graham's comments infuriated Russian intelligence, according to the Associated Press.
See Also: Russia Targets Kyiv In Rare Daytime Attack, Ukraine Issues Warning: 'You Will Regret It Very Soon'
Russia's criminal investigation agency, dubbed the Investigative Committee, opened a criminal inquiry against Graham. The Interior Ministry also issued a warrant for his arrest.
Graham indulged in the attention and the fact that he drew the ire of the Kremlin:
I will wear the arrest warrant issued by Putin’s corrupt and immoral government as a Badge of Honor. 🏅 https://t.co/0L2I5PfuoM
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) May 29, 2023
He continued: "To know that my commitment to Ukraine has drawn the ire of Putin’s regime brings me immense joy. I will continue to stand with and for Ukraine’s freedom until every Russian soldier is expelled from Ukrainian territory."
Graham also made an "offer" to his Russian friends who criticized him for "calling out the Putin regime as being war criminals."
“Come and make your best case. See you in The Hague!” Graham said.
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) May 29, 2023
Why It Matters: Graham's show of support to Zelenskyy, and his tough talk against Putin, comes as many of his fellow party members on Capitol Hill remain divided over whether the U.S. should continue aiding Ukraine.
The Russia-Ukraine war has been raging for over a year now, and most American voters have taken a pro-Ukrainian stance.
President Joe Biden visited Kyiv on Feb. 20 for the first time since the Russian invasion and pledged $500 million in new military aid.
The trip was heavily criticized by a growing contingent of Republican lawmakers.
Zelenskyy, however, continues to show appreciate to the U.S. On Monday, he posted a video to Twitter in honor of Memorial Day: “On behalf of all Ukrainians, I would like to honor the courage and self sacrifice of all Americans who stood in defense and keep defending the freedom. Your freedom stood thanks to those who fought for it. Our freedom will stand thanks to those who are fighting for it."
My special gratitude on this Memorial day goes to all Americans of different times – sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, who became the warriors and whose strength turned into the strength of freedom and who were destined to show to the world that… pic.twitter.com/98kpAGApIw
— Володимир ЗеленÑький (@ZelenskyyUa) May 29, 2023
Now Read: Almost 1 Year Into Putin's Ukraine War - Here's How Much $100 Invested In Dollar/Ruble Pair At Post-Invasion Low Is Worth Now
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