Russia’s interior ministry has put US senator Lindsey Graham on a wanted list, Russian media reports, citing the ministry’s database.
His offence is apparently contained in an edited video released by the Ukrainian president’s office where Senator Graham met with Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday and said “the Russians are dying” and then saying US support was the “best money we’ve ever spent”.
After Russia criticised the remarks, Ukraine released a full video of the meeting which showed the two remarks were not linked.
Russia’s Investigative Committee said on Sunday that it was opening a criminal probe into Senator Graham’s comments, but it did not specify what crime he was suspected of.
Senator Graham disputed Russian criticism of his support for Ukraine, saying he had simply praised the spirit of Ukrainians in resisting a Russian invasion with US assistance.
A South Carolina Republican known for his hawkish foreign policy views, Senator Graham has been an outspoken champion of increased military support for Ukraine in its battle against Russia.
Russia has previously added dozens of US officials and elected politicians to stop lists, banning them from entering the country, but has rarely sought the arrest of senior American politicians.
