The Political Insider

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham sparked criticism last week when he called for the assassination of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

But instead of retracting, he doubled down, calling for “regime change” in Russia and saying that the country’s president should be treated as a “war criminal.”

Graham made his latter remarks during a Friday interview on Fox News’ “Hannity.”

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Sen. Graham: ‘Putin is a war criminal’

Graham had been lambasted by figures such as Ted Cruz and Majorie Taylor Greene after he called for the assassination of Putin. 

In doubling down, Graham had this to say: 

“Here’s what I would say, I’ve been a military prosecutor, defense attorney, judge for 30-something years,” Graham said. “I’m going to introduce a resolution next week — I’ll give it to you on your show — declaring that Putin is a war criminal.”

Graham then elaborated on the need fro regime change in Russia.

“It’s clear to me the world would be better off if the Russian people took Putin out tonight,” Graham said. “The war on Ukraine would end, and Russia would have freedom they don’t enjoy today. A steel curtain has descended upon the Russian people.”

“What does that tell me?” Graham asked. “That Putin is afraid of his own people. Martial law has been virtually declared by Putin. I think the Russian people are not buying what Putin is selling when it comes to the Ukraine.”

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Graham Believes Russian People Must Overthrow Putin

“And if the Ukrainian people continue to fight as brave as they are, I think eventually, the dam will break in Russia,” Graham added.

“But I want to say this crystal clear — without apology, without equivocation — the world would be better off if Putin were gone tonight,” he declared. “And the best way to end this war is not American boots on the ground, but for the Russian people to rise up, reclaim the honor of their country and take this guy out, Putin, by any means necessary.”

“And if you don’t understand that, you don’t understand this war, and you don’t understand the world in which we live,” Graham finished.

Unknown in regards to Graham’s comments is what would happen to Russia if it’s strongman political leader were killed or deposed. 

Or what would have to the chain of custody for thousands of nuclear warheads and no one in charge.