Why Is Conor Kennedy, RFK Jr.'s Son, Listed Under Russia's Most Wanted?

Conor Kennedy, the 32-year-old son of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has been added to Russia's international wanted list due to his involvement in fighting for Ukraine in 2022. Russian authorities accuse him of acting as a mercenary for the Ukrainian armed forces. Although Kennedy's defense team denies these allegations and has appealed the decision, the appeals court has upheld the original ruling. The trial was kept confidential.

Born in 1991, Conor Kennedy is the grandson of the late US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and the brother of former US President John F. Kennedy. His parents are Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Mary Richardson Kennedy, who passed away by suicide in 2012. Conor Kennedy had a brief relationship with pop star Taylor Swift in 2012 and later married Brazilian singer and actress Giulia Be in March 2026.

In October 2022, Kennedy traveled to Ukraine to join their International Legion, a volunteer force, despite having no prior military experience. He served for approximately two and a half months on the northeastern front line. Kennedy expressed his desire to contribute to the Ukrainian cause, stating that the war would shape the fate of democracy in the 21st century. He encouraged others to join the legion, provide medical supplies, or support the border.

Kennedy's decision to join the Ukrainian military was kept secret from his father and stepmother, actress Cheryl Hines. However, his credit card transactions in Poland and Ukraine alerted them of his whereabouts. While Kennedy's parents respected his decision, they were unaware of his views on the war, which differed from their own. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed pride in his son and acknowledged his differing political sentiments during a People interview.

If apprehended, Kennedy faces a potential 7 to 10-year prison sentence under Part 3 of Article 353 of the Russian Criminal Code, which addresses participation in a mercenary military action. He is not the only foreign national to face similar charges; US citizen Ingram Asbill, Tracy James, and British citizen Shorney Joseph Richard Ryan have also been listed by the Moscow court.

As of now, Kennedy has returned to the US, resumed his law studies at Georgetown University, and is currently an associate attorney at the Wisner Baum law firm in Los Angeles, California.