Russian authorities have placed Conor Kennedy, son of presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., on an international wanted list for his alleged involvement as a mercenary fighting alongside Ukrainian forces. The Basmanny District Court of Moscow authorized an arrest in absentia for Kennedy, who could face seven to 10 years in prison if apprehended.
In October 2022, Kennedy, 32, disclosed in an Instagram post that he had traveled to Kyiv to join Ukraine's International Legion and fight on the front lines against Russia's invasion. He stated that he informed only one person of his whereabouts and used a different name to prevent his family and friends from worrying.
Kennedy admitted to having no prior military experience but described himself as capable of carrying heavy loads and learning quickly. He also wrote that he was willing to die in Ukraine, which led to his deployment to the northeastern front.
He kept his service a secret from his father and stepmother, Cheryl Hines, telling them he had declined a summer job at a Los Angeles law firm. However, credit card statements later revealed charges from Poland and Ukraine, raising suspicions. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recounted expressing anger and concern upon his son's return, to which Conor responded that he was acting on the principles his father had taught him: to stand up for one's beliefs.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated he was proud of his son, acknowledging that Conor's views on the war were not aligned with his own, but that his son was not naive about the conflict and had argued strongly for U.S. intervention.
After approximately two and a half months on the front lines, Kennedy resumed his law studies at Georgetown University. He is currently listed as an associate attorney at Wisner Baum's Los Angeles office. Other foreign nationals, including a U.S. citizen and a British citizen, have also been placed on Russia's wanted list for similar alleged actions.