- Conor Kennedy, the son of Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr and Taylor Swift's ex-boyfriend, has been placed on Russia's international wanted list for allegedly fighting as a mercenary with Ukrainian forces.
- The Basmanny District Court of Moscow authorized Kennedy's arrest in absentia after accusing him of acting as a mercenary for the Ukrainian armed forces.
- Kennedy faces 7 to 10 years in prison if captured, as stated under Part 3 of Article 353 of the Russian Criminal Code.
- Conor Kennedy briefly dated Taylor Swift in 2012, with their relationship lasting a few months.
- Kennedy revealed he had fought in the Kharkiv region as part of Ukraine's International Legion, returning in October 2022.
Conor Kennedy, the 32-year-old son of US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has been placed on Russia's international wanted list for allegedly fighting alongside Ukrainian forces.12
According to Russian state media, he is accused of acting as a mercenary, facing 7 to 10 years in prison if captured.4
The Basmanny District Court of Moscow authorized his arrest in absentia, with the trial held behind closed doors. Kennedy reportedly returned from Ukraine in October 2022 after serving in the International Legion, where he kept his identity secret.3
"Like many people, I was deeply moved by what I saw happening in Ukraine over the past year. I wanted to help," he stated in an Instagram post.
He enlisted without prior military experience, stating, "I wasn’t a great shot, but I was skilled at carrying heavy things and learned fast."
His enlistment was kept secret from his family, including his father and stepmother, and he had previously dated singer Taylor Swift in 2012.
The case highlights the complexities of international law and the consequences of foreign involvement in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
“The Basmanny District Court of Moscow authorized his arrest in absentia, and the appeals court upheld the decision. Kennedy, who fought in the Kharkiv region with the International Legion, kept his enlistment secret from his father and stepmother, telling them he had given notice to a law firm.”
