Conor Kennedy Added to Russia’s International Wanted List After Joining Ukraine’s International Legion

Conor Kennedy, the 32-year-old son of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has been placed on Russia’s international wanted list after travelling to Ukraine in 2022 to join the volunteer International Legion, according to Russian state media.

Arrest in Absentia and Charges

On Aug. 12, Moscow’s Basmanny District Court authorized an arrest in absentia for Kennedy, citing allegations that he served as a mercenary in Ukraine. Russian officials reported the charge could carry a prison sentence of seven to ten years if he is detained and convicted, according to TASS.

Kennedy’s Account and Service

Conor publicly acknowledged in October 2022 that he had quietly enlisted with Ukraine’s International Legion. In an Instagram post at the time, he said he was moved by the situation in Ukraine and went to the embassy to volunteer the next day. He told only a few people his whereabouts so his family would not worry.

"Like many people, I was deeply moved by what I saw happening in Ukraine over the past year. I wanted to help. When I heard about Ukraine's International Legion, I knew I was going, and I went to the embassy to enlist the next day."

Kennedy admitted he had no formal military background but said he was fit and willing to risk his life for Ukraine’s cause. Volunteers sent him to a northeastern section of the front, where he served for about two and a half months before returning to the United States to resume law studies at Georgetown University.

Family Reaction and Background

PEOPLE reported that both Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Conor were contacted for comment on Moscow’s legal action. RFK Jr. previously said he was proud of his son’s decision, recounting that Conor told him, "This is what you taught me to do: to stand up for what I believe in." At the time Conor left, he had declined a summer job at a Los Angeles law firm and kept his plans private from family members.

Conor Kennedy is a member of the prominent Kennedy family: he is the grandson of former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and the grand-nephew of President John F. Kennedy. He has received public attention in the past for a relationship with pop star Taylor Swift and has more recently announced an engagement to Brazilian singer Giulia Be.

What’s Next

With the Russian arrest warrant in place, Conor would face legal jeopardy if he traveled to a country willing to detain him under Moscow’s request. For now, he remains in the U.S., and the case stands as another international repercussion of foreign nationals joining Ukraine’s volunteer forces.