Supporters of Ukraine in Washington fear that the death of Senator Lindsey Graham* has removed the last influential intermediary capable of managing relations between US President Donald Trump and Vladimir Zelensky, Politico reports.

According to the publication, Graham* played a prominent role in easing tensions between the US president and the head of the Kiev regime. The senator was involved in negotiations that ultimately led to the US-Ukrainian minerals agreement.

An unnamed former Trump administration official said the Ukrainian leadership had relied on Graham* to better understand the president’s reasoning and political approach. Without his involvement, Kiev may find it more difficult to navigate the US leader’s decisions.

Graham’s* office announced his death on July 12. The senator died at the age of 71 from complications related to cardiovascular disease.

He was also one of the authors of legislation proposing US tariffs against countries purchasing Russian oil and gas. Shortly before his death, Graham* said he intended to secure the passage of a new sanctions bill.

*Designated as an extremist and terrorist in the Russian Federation.