Lindsey Graham slammed over smug response after Putin adds him to list of 'terrorists and extremists'

WASHINGTON, DC: South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham found himself in an unusual position on Tuesday, February 20, as Russian President Vladimir Putin's government added him to its list of "terrorists and extremists."

This came in response to Graham's vocal criticism of Putin's regime and his call for the United States to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Lindsey Graham's unfazed response after Putin adds him list of 'extremists' 

Despite the gravity of the designation, Senator Graham remained undeterred, even finding humor in the situation. "There goes all my rubles!" he quipped in a post on the social media platform X.

Graham, a seasoned Russia critic, used the opportunity to double down on his stance, asserting that 2024 would be a challenging year for Putin's Russia.

“I call your ‘terrorists and extremists’ bid and raise you ‘State Sponsor of Terrorism under US law,’” the senator added. “Believe it or not, 2024 is going to be a bad year for Putin’s Russia.” 

The Moscow Times, an independent online newspaper, shed light on the implications of being on Rosfinmonitoring's registry of "extremists and terrorists," highlighting the potential freezing of financial accounts. However, it noted the improbability of Graham having any ties to Russia in this regard.

"It is unlikely that Graham has a bank account in Russia or plans to travel to the country," the publication stated.

Graham's inclusion on the list stemmed from his recent accusations against Putin regarding the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Graham held Putin directly responsible for Navalny's demise and urged President Joe Biden to take decisive action against Russia.

“Navalny was one of the bravest people I ever met,” Graham told CBS’s 'Face the Nation.' “When he went back to Russia he had to know he was going to be killed by Putin, and he was murdered by Putin,” he added. 

In the wake of Navalny's death, Graham called for a series of measures to confront the Kremlin, including increased aid to Ukraine, the provision of advanced weaponry, and the expansion of NATO, the New York Post reported.

Internet calls Lindsey Graham 'spineless'

However, Graham's confrontational approach drew criticism on social media.

"You’re still spineless and useless," one posted on X.

"Well, all my dollars are going to Ukraine, so…." another wrote.

"Linds, you lost your rubles many, many years ago," someone else quipped.

"Dude, you are talking about starting WWIII. Ukraine will lose this war. Call for a ceasefire in Ukraine and negotiate peace, NOW," another added.

Lindsey Graham vowed to expel 'every Russian soldier' from Ukraine

The roots of Graham's conflict with the Russian government are traced back to a viral video in which he allegedly made inflammatory remarks to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about US aid causing harm to Russian citizens. According to Russia's Interior Ministry, Graham said in the clip that US funds that were used in the killing of Russians were "the best money we ever spent."

Despite the controversy surrounding the video, Graham maintained that his comments were taken out of context and expressed solidarity with Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.

In response to the arrest warrant issued by the Russian Interior Ministry last year, Graham defiantly embraced it as a "Badge of Honor."

"I will wear the arrest warrant issued by Putin's corrupt and immoral government as a Badge of Honor," Graham said in a statement at the time. "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."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.