PoliticsConor Kennedy Put on Russia's Wanted List Over Alleged Ukraine Mercenary Role
Conor Kennedy reportedly put on Russia's international wanted list.
Aug. 20 2026, Updated 4:14 p.m. ET
Conor Kennedy has been placed on Russia's international wanted list.
The 32-year-old, who was romantically linked to pop star Taylor Swift back in 2012, is being accused of acting as a mercenary for the Ukrainian armed forces.
Conor Kennedy reportedly put on Russia's international wanted list.
According to Russian state media TASS, Kennedy has been charged with committing a crime under Part 3 of Article 353 of the Russian Criminal Code, which is basically for “participation of a mercenary in an armed conflict or military action.”
Under this article, Kennedy faces 7 to 10 years in prison.
On August 12, the Basmanny District Court of Moscow authorized his arrest in absentia.
While his legal team reportedly “disagreed with this decision and appealed it,” per a TASS correspondent, the appeals court upheld the court’s decision.
Conor Kennedy Himself Confirmed His Part in Ukraine's Combat Operations
Conor Kennedy has been charged with 'participation of a mercenary in an armed conflict or military action.'
Back in October 2022, Kennedy shared through his social media handle that he had returned from Ukraine after participating in combat operations in the Kharkiv area as part of the International Legion of Ukraine.
He took part in combat operations on the side of the Ukrainian forces incognito.
His biography on his firm's website reads, “A challenging time, Conor is most proud of the work he and his team did there.”
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Kennedy Kept His Experience Serving in Ukraine a Secret From Everyone
Conor Kennedy confirmed that he participated in combat operations in the Kharkiv area as part of the International Legion of Ukraine.
In his Instagram post confirming his time and experience in Ukraine, Kennedy revealed that he had kept it a secret from everyone, including his own family.
He penned, “Like many people, I was deeply moved by what I saw happening in Ukraine over the past year. I wanted to help. When I heard about Ukraine’s International Legion, I knew I was going, and I went to the embassy to enlist the next day.”
“I told one person here where I was, and I told one person there my real name,” he continued. “I didn’t want my family or friends to worry, and I didn’t want to be treated differently there.”
Conor Kennedy kept his time and experience in Ukraine a secret from everyone, including his family.
He added, “Going in, I had no prior military experience and wasn’t a great shot, but I could carry heavy things and learned fast. I was also willing to die there.”
He also got candid about his time there, sharing that he spent around 10 weeks in Ukraine.
Kennedy said, “I saw a lot and I felt a lot. I liked being a soldier, more than I had expected. It is scary. But life is simple, and the rewards for finding courage and doing good are substantial.”
“I know I’m lucky I made it back, but I would also take all the risks we took over again,” he concluded.
