**Senator Lindsey Graham faces arrest warrant issued by Russia over comments made during Ukraine visit; vows to wear it as a “Badge of Honor.”**
Republican U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has found himself at the center of controversy after the Russian Interior Ministry issued an arrest warrant for the South Carolina lawmaker over statements made during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Graham met with Zelenskyy on Friday and expressed support for Ukraine’s fight for freedom. Ukrainian officials released a shortened, edited video of the conversation, making it appear that Graham made controversial comments regarding Russia and US military assistance to Ukraine back-to-back, though they were made at different points.
The video stirred up anger in Russia, prompting a reaction from President Vladimir Putin’s press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, who criticized the US, stating it was hard to imagine a greater shame for the country than having such senators. Russia’s Investigative Committee responded by opening a criminal probe against Graham, and subsequently, the Interior Ministry issued the arrest warrant.
Senator Graham has been banned from visiting Russia since last year, along with more than 200 US congressional members. Nonetheless, he responded to the warrant news via Twitter, declaring he would wear it as a “Badge of Honor” and expressing joy at drawing the ire of Putin’s regime. He reaffirmed his commitment to Ukraine and challenged Russia to submit to the International Criminal Court’s jurisdiction.
**In conclusion, Senator Graham confronts the Russian attempt to intimidate him, proclaiming he will wear the arrest warrant with pride and continue supporting Ukraine’s quest for freedom.**
