18.08.2026 00:20
Conor Kennedy, the son of US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has become a target of Russia this time due to his participation in the Ukraine war years ago. In 2022, Kennedy secretly went to Ukraine without his family's knowledge and joined the International Legion. Russia has issued an arrest warrant for him in absentia, and the 32-year-old has been placed on the international wanted list on charges of being a 'mercenary'.
Conor Kennedy, son of U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has been targeted by Russia on the grounds that he joined the International Legion in Ukraine in 2022. The Basmanny District Court in Moscow issued an arrest warrant in absentia for the 32-year-old Kennedy, and he was added to Russia's international wanted list. Russian authorities accuse Kennedy of being a "mercenary."
SECRETLY WENT TO UKRAINE
According to The People's report, Conor Kennedy went to Ukraine in 2022 without his family's knowledge after Russia launched its large-scale attack on Ukraine. In a statement at the time, Kennedy said he was deeply affected by the developments in Ukraine and decided to join the International Legion to help the country.
Kennedy stated that he had no military background but believed he was physically ready for war and was sent to the front line in northeastern Ukraine. Kennedy stayed in Ukraine for about two and a half months, then returned to the U.S. to continue his law education.
"I DIDN'T WANT DIFFERENT TREATMENT"
Kennedy stated that he deliberately hid his trip to Ukraine from his family. He said he did not want his family to worry and did not want the Kennedy surname to cause him to be treated differently.
In later statements, Kennedy said his time in Ukraine was quite impressive for him and that the war left deep marks on him.
HIS FATHER SAID HE WAS PROUD OF HIS SON
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., on the other hand, stated that he initially did not know his son had gone to Ukraine and that Conor had told them he would leave his law internship to do something else.
His family realized where Conor was from his credit card transactions. Kennedy Jr. said his son told him that his father had taught him to fight for something he believed in, and he expressed pride in his decision.
However, Kennedy Jr. also mentioned that he and his son do not share the same views on the Ukraine war.
RISK OF 7 TO 10 YEARS IN PRISON IN RUSSIA
According to the Russian authorities' accusation, Kennedy acted as a "mercenary" alongside Ukrainian forces. The Basmanny District Court in Moscow issued an arrest warrant in absentia on August 12. It is reported that if Kennedy is caught, he could face 7 to 10 years in prison under Russia's charges.
It is noted that Kennedy is currently in the U.S. and Russia's decision was made in absentia. Therefore, the decision does not mean he has been arrested in Russia.
A NOTABLE MEMBER OF THE KENNEDY FAMILY
Conor Kennedy, 32, is one of the children of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the late Mary Richardson Kennedy. Conor, one of the publicly known members of the Kennedy family, had previously been in the spotlight for his activism and personal life. His participation in the war in Ukraine drew the attention of the international public in 2022.
With Russia's latest decision, Kennedy's name has been added to the list of foreigners fighting in Ukraine and wanted by Russian authorities on "mercenary" charges.