Conor Kennedy, son of US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has been added to Russia's international wanted list over his 2022 decision to travel to Ukraine and fight alongside its International Legion against Russian forces. A Moscow court authorised his arrest in absentia on charges of mercenarism, meaning he could face imprisonment if he were ever detained by Russian authorities. The move highlights how ordinary volunteers, including relatives of prominent American political figures, have been drawn into legal jeopardy through their involvement in the conflict.

The Moscow court issued its ruling on 12 August, with Kennedy facing a potential seven to ten years in prison if caught, according to Russian state media outlet TASS; Ukraine's Kyiv Post reported on the case this week. Kennedy, who had no prior military experience, joined the International Legion without telling his family and served roughly two and a half months on the northeastern front before returning to the US to continue his law studies at Georgetown University. RFK Jr., now Trump's Health Secretary, has previously said he was proud of his son's decision, though neither he nor Conor has commented on the latest Russian court action. Conor Kennedy, once linked romantically to Taylor Swift, recently announced his engagement to Brazilian singer Giulia Be.