Political leaders from across the globe praised Arizona senator and Vietnam war hero John McCain as a steadfast supporter of democracy and a reliable partner of Western ideals on Sunday, one day after he died at the age of 81.

“John McCain was led by the firm conviction that the sense of all political work lies in service to freedom, democracy and the rule of law,” German Chancellor Angela Merkel said in a statement.

French President Emmanuel Macron called McCain a “true American hero.”

“He devoted his entire life to his country,” Macron added. “His voice will be missed.”

Afghanistan’s chief executive, Abdullah Abdullah, tweeted that McCain was “a great friend & supporter of the Afghan nation & people throughout the years.”

In Ukraine, McCain was celebrated for his strong support of the country amid its ongoing conflict with Russia and his tough stance on the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014.

“We will never forget his invaluable contribution to the development of democracy and freedom in Ukraine and the support of our state,” Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said in a statement. “The memory of John McCain will remain in our hearts forever.”

British Prime Minister Theresa May called the late senator “a great statesman, who embodied the idea of service over self.”

“It was an honour to call him a friend of the UK,” she added. “My deepest sympathies go to his family, and the American people.”

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called McCain an “American patriot and hero whose sacrifices for his country, and lifetime of public service, were an inspiration to millions.”

He added that Canadians join Americans in celebrating his life and mourning his passing.