A Moscow court has ordered the arrest in absentia of U.S. citizen Conor Kennedy, who Russian authorities accuse of participating as a mercenary alongside Ukrainian forces.
The Basmanny District Court also ordered Kennedy’s placement on an international wanted list, according to TASS. An appeals court subsequently upheld the decision after his defense challenged the ruling.
Kennedy Accused Under Russian Mercenary Law
Russian authorities have charged Kennedy under Part 3 of Article 353 of the Russian Criminal Code, which concerns participation by a mercenary in an armed conflict or military operation.
The offense carries a potential prison sentence of seven to 10 years under Russian law.
The court proceedings were held behind closed doors, while Kennedy’s defense opposed the request for his arrest.
American Previously Described His Ukraine Service
According to TASS, Kennedy previously acknowledged on social media that he had returned from Ukraine in October 2022 after taking part in combat operations in the Kharkov area.
He reportedly said he served with Ukraine’s International Legion and participated in combat operations on the Ukrainian side while maintaining a low profile.
The Russian court’s decision is based on Moscow’s characterization of that alleged service as mercenary activity.
Kennedy Has Prominent Political Family Connections
Kennedy is the grand-nephew of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy and the grandson of former U.S. Attorney General Robert Kennedy.
His family background has drawn additional attention to the Russian proceedings, although the case itself concerns allegations relating to his activities during the Ukraine conflict.
Russia Targets Other Foreign Fighters
Kennedy is not the only foreign national whom Russian courts have pursued over alleged participation in Ukraine’s International Legion.
Russian authorities have issued similar in-absentia rulings against a number of foreign nationals from countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, Serbia, the Czech Republic, Georgia, Estonia and Colombia.
Those named by Russian authorities include American Tracy James Ingram Asbill, British drone operator Joseph Richard Ryan Shorney, Swedish military instructor Anna Caroline Alexandra Nordengrip, Karel Cherel-Salzburg, Serbian national Nenad Arsic and Czech recruiter Jan Trcka.
International Wanted Lists Expanded
Russian authorities have also identified Georgian national Akaki Murachashvili, Estonian assault trooper Oleg Kolevatov and Colombian fighter Ivan Tico Dario Ramirez among foreigners who have faced similar proceedings.
According to Russian authorities, all of the individuals cited in the cases were arrested in absentia and placed on international wanted lists over alleged mercenary activities supporting Ukrainian forces.
Court Decisions Remain in Force
TASS reported that the court decisions involving the foreign nationals have entered into legal force.
Kennedy’s case represents another example of Russia using its domestic courts to pursue foreign nationals accused of fighting for Ukraine, including individuals who are no longer present in Russia and therefore face arrest should Russian authorities gain custody of them.
The allegations and court findings described above reflect the Russian authorities’ account of the cases.
