# Russian arrest warrant for Conor Kennedy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/russian-arrest-warrant-for-conor-kennedy
> Updated: 2026-08-16T23:34:53.000Z. Sources: 32. Developments: 3.

A Moscow court has authorized the arrest in absentia of Conor Kennedy, a U.S. citizen and member of the Kennedy family, on charges of acting as a mercenary during the conflict in Ukraine. The Basmanny District Court decision follows allegations that Kennedy fought alongside the Ukrainian International Legion in the Kharkiv region in 2022.

Kennedy, the son of U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is accused under Article 353 of the Russian Criminal Code and faces a potential prison sentence of seven to ten years. Russian authorities allege he participated in combat while concealing his true identity. Kennedy has previously stated on social media that he joined the legion despite having no prior military training and kept his enlistment secret from most friends and family to avoid causing worry.

Following the ruling, Kennedy has been placed on Russia’s international wanted list. While his legal counsel has appealed the decision, the court has upheld the ruling. Legal experts note that actual detention would likely require extradition, which remains improbable.

Kennedy’s wife, Brazilian singer Giulia Be, reacted to the news on social media with irony. The couple married in Los Angeles in March 2026. It is noted that the International Legion, in which Kennedy served, was disbanded in February 2026, resulting in the transfer of foreign volunteers to regular Ukrainian military units.

## Claims

- The Basmanny District Court in Moscow authorized the arrest in absentia of Conor Kennedy on August 12. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Conor Kennedy is accused of mercenarism under the Russian Criminal Code. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The charge carries a potential prison sentence of seven to ten years. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Conor Kennedy joined Ukraine’s International Legion in 2022 to fight against the Russian invasion. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Conor Kennedy had no prior military experience before enlisting in Ukraine. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Kennedy’s lawyer appealed the court's decision, but the court upheld the original ruling. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. serves as the 26th US Health Secretary in the Donald Trump administration. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The International Legion was disbanded in February 2026, with foreign troops transferred to regular units. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-16: Conor Kennedy placed on Russia's wanted list for fighting in Ukraine

Russia has placed Conor Kennedy, son of US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., on its wanted list, accusing him of mercenary activity for fighting in Ukraine's International Legion in 2022.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-kennedy-placed-on-russias-wanted-list

### 2026-08-14: Conor Kennedy faces arrest warrant in Russia over Ukraine mercenary accusations

Russian authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Conor Kennedy, accused of acting as a mercenary in Ukraine. His wife, singer Giulia Be, reacted to the news with irony on social media.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/conor-kennedy-faces-arrest-warrant-in-russia-over-ukraine-mercenary-accusations

### 2026-08-12: Conor Kennedy faces Russian arrest warrant for alleged mercenary activity in Ukraine

Russia has issued an arrest warrant and placed Conor Kennedy, son of U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., on an international wanted list for allegedly serving as a mercenary in Ukraine.

22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-issues-arrest-warrant-for-conor-kennedy-over-ukraine-combat

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Cite as: Russian arrest warrant for Conor Kennedy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/russian-arrest-warrant-for-conor-kennedy