Conor Kennedy, the son of US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has been placed on Russia’s international wanted list after Moscow accused him of acting as a mercenary for the Ukrainian army, according to Russian state media. A Moscow court has reportedly authorized the arrest of the 32-year-old Kennedy in absentia. If convicted in Russia, he could face between seven and 10 years in prison.

Kennedy is the third child of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and a grand-nephew of former President John F. Kennedy. He also previously dated pop star Taylor Swift.

Kennedy revealed in an Instagram post in October 2022 that he had joined Ukraine’s International Legion after becoming deeply moved by Russia’s invasion.

He said he wanted to help Ukrainians and had gone to the embassy to enlist the day after learning about the International Legion. Kennedy said he did not want his family or friends to worry and only told one person in the United States and one person in Ukraine his real name.

Kennedy said he had no previous military experience but described his time in Ukraine as an experience that changed his perspective.

“I liked being a soldier, more than I had expected,” he wrote. He also said he understood the risks and was “willing to die” for the cause.

Russian authorities allege that Kennedy fought for Ukrainian forces in the Kharkiv area, although the report said this has not been independently confirmed.

According to Russia’s state news agency TASS, a Moscow court authorized Kennedy’s arrest in absentia and accused him of acting as a mercenary for the Ukrainian army.

Kennedy is among several foreign volunteers who have reportedly faced similar rulings from Russian courts. The charges are largely toothless while he remains outside Russia, but he could face a prison sentence if convicted on Russian territory.

It remains unclear why the Russian court issued the order nearly four years after Kennedy publicly disclosed his involvement in Ukraine.

Kennedy has since stayed largely away from the spotlight. He married Brazilian singer-songwriter Giulia Be in 2026.