A Moscow court issued a decision for the arrest in absentia of Conor Kennedy, son of US Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and grandnephew of former US President John F. Kennedy.
Russian authorities are officially pursuing him, having forwarded the relevant documents and adding him to the international wanted list.
The charge attributed to him concerns his participation in military operations as a «foreign mercenary» alongside the Ukrainian armed forces.
If located and arrested by Russian authorities, he faces a prison sentence ranging from 7 to 10 years.
His service in the International Legion and his statements
Conor Kennedy voluntarily joined the International Legion of Ukraine in 2022, shortly after the start of the Russian invasion, serving on the northeastern front (including the Kharkiv region).
He later disclosed details of his deployment, noting that he did not reveal his real identity or his prominent surname to anyone except one person in Ukraine and one person in the USA, in order to avoid special treatment or privileges.
Although he had no prior military experience, he stated he was determined to learn quickly and take on heavy tasks on the front lines.
He stated that he was «ready to die» in defense of Ukraine, considering that the outcome of the war would determine the future of democracy in the 21st century, while simultaneously urging other foreign volunteers to assist the country.
Putin Puts RFK Jr’s Son on Most Wanted List.
— The National Pulse (@TheNatPulse) August 13, 2026
Russia has issued an arrest warrant for Conor Kennedy, son of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., accusing him of acting as a mercenary for Ukraine’s military during the early days of the conflict.
PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Conor Kennedy,… pic.twitter.com/hvpfKctwrk
Geopolitical dimension and impact on US–Russia relations
This move by Russian authorities targets a member of one of the most historic political families in the USA, as his father, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., serves as Secretary of Health in the American administration.
The issuance of the warrant places additional strain on already tense diplomatic relations between Washington and Moscow.
Concurrently, it forms part of a wider campaign by Russian authorities to criminally prosecute hundreds of foreign volunteers from countries such as the USA, the United Kingdom, and Colombia who deployed to the Ukrainian frontlines.
The Basmanny District Court of Moscow has authorized the arrest in absentia of US citizen Conor Kennedy, accused of acting as a mercenary for the Ukrainian armed forces. As a TASS correspondent reports from the Moscow City Court:https://t.co/Znuu3tKCwc pic.twitter.com/ag0lR6e0T7
— TASS (@tassagency_en) August 12, 2026
www.bankingnews.gr
Readers’ Comments