Conor Kennedy, son of U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has been added to Russia's international wanted list after joining Ukraine's International Legion in 2022. A Moscow court on Aug. 12 authorized his arrest in absentia on mercenarism charges, and Russian authorities say he faces seven to ten years if detained. Kennedy served about two and a half months on the northeastern frontline before returning to Georgetown to resume law school; neither he nor his family has commented on the court action.
Conor Kennedy Added to Russia’s International Wanted List After Fighting in Ukraine
RFK Jr.’s Son Conor Kennedy Put on Russia’s Most Wanted List
Conor Kennedy, the son of U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has been added to Russia's international wanted list after traveling to Ukraine in 2022 to join the country's International Legion, Russian state media reported.
A Moscow court on Aug. 12 authorized an arrest in absentia, accusing Kennedy of mercenarism, a charge that—if he were detained by Russian authorities—carries a potential prison term of seven to ten years, according to reporting from TASS and the Kyiv Post.
Despite no prior military experience, Kennedy left the United States in 2022 without informing his parents and enlisted with Ukraine's International Legion. He served on the northeastern frontline for roughly two and a half months before returning to the U.S. to resume his law studies at Georgetown University.
In an Instagram post after his return, Kennedy said he had been deeply moved by what he witnessed in Ukraine and felt compelled to help. He added that he told almost no one where he was going—or his real name—because he did not want to be treated differently.
At the time, RFK Jr. and his wife, actress Cheryl Hines, said they only became concerned when credit card charges showed up from Poland and then Ukraine. RFK Jr., who now serves as U.S. Health Secretary in the Trump administration, later said he was proud of his son's choice. Neither Conor Kennedy nor Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has publicly commented on the Russian court action.
Kennedy — who previously had a high-profile relationship with pop star Taylor Swift — announced earlier this month that he is engaged to Brazilian singer Giulia Be.
Context: Russian authorities have in recent years used mercenarism and related criminal charges against foreigners and some members of Ukrainian forces; such prosecutions are legally and politically sensitive and vary by jurisdiction. This development is likely to complicate any future travel to countries with extradition relationships with Russia.
We will update this story if Conor Kennedy or his family issue public statements or if Russian authorities provide additional details about the charges.
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