Washington DC, July 12 -- US Senator Senator Lindsey Graham, a close aide of US President Donald Trump, passed away on Saturday evening after "brief and sudden illness", his office said on Sunday.

In a statement, Graham's office said the family of the Republican Senator from South Carolina had sought privacy during the difficult time.

"On the evening of Saturday, July 11, US Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness. Senator Graham's family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period," the statement said

Graham had met Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday.

"Good meeting with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham in Kyiv. This is already his 10th visit to our c...