Zelensky, Netanyahu lobby Trump for his support as lawmakers gather to mourn Lindsey Graham
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with US President Donald Trump to secure continued support for their respective military objectives. The meetings occurred during the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham, highlighting the intersection of domestic mourning and international diplomacy.
Why it matters
The diplomatic efforts reflect the high-stakes lobbying required to maintain US military and political backing for Ukraine and Israel amidst shifting American foreign policy.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky, centre, and American counterpart Donald Trump attend the funeral for Lindsey Graham at the Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
As Washington’s Republican elite gathered to mourn Lindsey Graham, the leaders of Ukraine and Israel worked to convince U.S. President Donald Trump to continue the late South Carolina senator’s backing of their military objectives.
Ahead of Mr. Graham’s funeral at Washington National Cathedral on Tuesday, which all three leaders attended, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held back-to-back sit-downs with Mr. Trump in the Oval Office.
Both meetings unfolded entirely behind closed doors, which was unusual for Mr. Trump, who typically invites television cameras in during White House visits by foreign leaders.
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