Russia puts son of US health secretary on international wanted list
Russia has placed Conor Kennedy, son of US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., on an international wanted list, accusing him of participating in the war in Ukraine as a 'foreign mercenary'.
Russian judicial authorities have placed Conor Kennedy, the son of US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., on an international wanted list. He is accused of taking part in the war in Ukraine and has been designated a "foreign mercenary," according to The Independent, citing documents filed with the Moscow City Court.
Kennedy faces between seven and ten years in prison if detained in Russia. The 32-year-old previously said he joined Ukraine's International Legion in 2022 and was "ready to die" in Ukraine. In October of that year, he publicly acknowledged fighting on Ukraine's side during the first months of the full-scale war.
In social media posts, Kennedy said he was deeply moved by what was happening in Ukraine and wanted to help. After learning about the International Legion, he went to the embassy the next day to sign up. He also said he shared his real name with only two people so his family and friends would not worry, and that he did not want to be treated differently. Kennedy stated that the war in Ukraine would "determine the fate of democracy in this century" and urged others to join the legion, help at the border, or send medical supplies.
The Russian side claims that Kennedy "fought within the Ukrainian army in the Kharkiv region disguised as a local resident." Russian media also report that similar charges have been brought against other foreign volunteers, including 37-year-old US citizen Ingram Asbill Tracy James, British citizen Shorny Joseph Richard Ryan, who served as a drone operator, and a 46-year-old Swedish sergeant. Similar decisions have also affected 38-year-old Colombian Ramirez Ivan Tiku Dario and 39-year-old Czech recruiter Jan Trčka.
Ukraine's military ombudsman, Olga Reshetilova, previously said that about 16,000 foreign volunteers are currently fighting for Ukraine within the Defense Forces. She claims these fighters represent at least 72 countries, and nearly 40% come from Latin American nations. Reshetilova added that Ukraine is consistently developing a state mechanism to protect the rights of foreigners serving in its army.
