I have lost a beloved friend," in a statement. On Friday, Graham said China could play a decisive role in pressuring Russia towards peace talks, helping end its war in Ukraine.Graham, a frequent visitor to Ukraine, met President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv I'd like them to use their influence for the good of the world."I don't believe [Russian President Vladimir] Putin is there yet, but it wouldn't take much to get him there."Mr Zelenskyy wrote on social media he was "deeply saddened" by the news, calling Graham "a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer".He noted that Graham had visited Ukraine 10 times since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022."We will always be especially grateful for the recognition of our people and words of admiration for the courage of Ukraine's defenders," Mr Zelenskyy said.Graham recently served as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and was a member of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senate Judiciary Committee and Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.Graham, a former Air Force lawyer and member of the South Carolina Air National Guard, was elected to the US Senate in 2002.Before that, he was elected to the US House of Representatives in 1994 for South Carolina's 3rd congressional district, according to his website.He was not married and lived in Seneca, South Carolina.Reuters