Conor Kennedy, son of U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has been placed on Russia’s international wanted list over alleged mercenary service in Ukraine.
Russia has placed Conor Kennedy on its international wanted list following allegations linked to his 2022 deployment in Ukraine.
Russian state media outlet TASS reported that the Basmanny District Court of Moscow authorized his arrest in absentia.
The case concerns Article 353 of Russia’s Criminal Code, which addresses mercenary participation in armed conflicts.
According to the supplied reports, a conviction under the cited charge could carry seven to 10 years in prison.
Kennedy, 32, previously described his decision to join Ukraine’s International Legion in an Instagram post.
He said he was moved by the situation in Ukraine and went to the embassy to enlist, while keeping his identity largely private to avoid concern from relatives and different treatment because of his family name.
Kennedy reportedly spent between two and four months in Ukraine, including time near the Kharkiv front, despite having no previous military experience.
He later returned to the United States and resumed law school. The development has also revived attention around Kennedy’s celebrity profile.
He dated Taylor Swift in 2012 during a highly publicized relationship, while Swift had earlier become connected to the Kennedy family through her friendship with relatives and her interest in Ethel Kennedy.
The arrest authorization was issued in absentia, meaning its immediate practical effect depends on Kennedy being detained in a jurisdiction willing to cooperate with Russian authorities. The supplied reports do not indicate that he is currently in Russian custody.
